Hammr-Unholy Destruction

Hells Headbangers Records
2018

Formed in 2013 and originally known as Schizoid Hammer up until 2015, Cleveland, Ohio's Hammr (sic) is a one-man black/speed/punk metal band that has one EP, one demo, and this full-length album to it's name. J. Hammer (Devils, Outline, ex-Demona) is the main-man behind the magic mirror and band's such as Venom, Celtic Frost, Iron Angel, (early) Slayer, Discharge, (early) Bathory, and Sodom serve as the inspiration. Lead solos come courtesy of Midnight's Commander Vanik (who also mixed the album) and the album was mastered by none other than Joel Grind (Toxic Holocaust)! Self-dubbed "satanic speed", Hammr is (blood-dripping) raw black metal/underground speed that has been spiked with the last dying breath of dive-bar punk. Naturally, that makes "Unholy Destruction" a must-have recording...especially if you are a fan of the aforementioned Midnight!

Terror-Legion of Gore (7" EP)

Hells Headbangers Records
2016

Terror is a on-again, off-again, on-again Cleveland thrash band that can trace it's roots all the way back to the mid-eighties. I first discovered these guys on the 1990 compilation  "Heavy Artillery" and since then I've tried to keep an eye on their comings and goings. Between 1987 and 1995 this raw thrash band released a dozen demos(!) and those recordings eventually made their way onto two compilations. This 7-inch single features two songs from Terror's demo days that have been re-recorded for this day and age. "Legion of Gore" includes not only an updated & improved version of the title track, but a new take on "Carving Techniques". Both tracks sound like the Terror of old as they brutally combine classic eighties thrash and raw nineties thrash into a beast that is absolutely gnarly! Once again active, Terror could easily give extreme metal fans something to get excited about as there is FINALLY talk of new material! Since Terror was last active way back in 2002 this is some damn fine news for long-time fans and those who like their thrash metal to be as nasty and ugly as it gets!

Space Monkey-The Blackest Hole

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Originally formed way back in 2012 by ex-King guitarist Marco Quiroz (guitars/vocals) and drummer Luke Brletich (and initially starting out life as a side-project of the pair before making the slow transition over to full-fledged band), Space Monkey is a five-piece metal band that hails from Ohio and also features within it's ranks guitarist Tom "Tommy" Packard of At No End fame. Of course the hardcore-tinged At No End gave us the 2011 album, "Holocaust" and 2013's "From The Rust" so when Tom Packard himself sent me a request to review this (modern metal/death thrash by way of stoner rock) album how could I refuse? The answer is I couldn't, but still had I known the exact nature of "The Blackest Hole" I might have been better prepared for what transpired between point A (Tommy's email request) and point B (sitting down to do a write up on Space Monkey's high-recommend debut album here). Please note that everything that follows is the gospel truth and nothing has been added for theatrical purposes. Naturally we start our journey at the beginning and that would be when I first opened up the package that guitarist Tom Packard sent me. It arrived with a handful of similar-sized padded envelopes* and having opened all of my mail in hast on the dining room table the CD almost ended in my recycling pile! At the last moment I realized my mistake and after grabbing the album I headed out to my car for what would prove to be a afternoon full of errands. Having (unsuccessfully) attempted to play the CD in my car I placed the disc back in it's slip case and put it on the passenger seat. After arriving back home I couldn't find the disc and I had to tear apart my car to locate it (it had somehow managed to slip between the side seat and my car's middle console). Taking the CD inside I almost immediately lost it in my room. This proved to be my first warning that "The Blackest Hole" was playing hard to get! With a new day dawning I went on the hunt for the CD and by this point I couldn't remember if I brought it in from my car or left it in my room (I would like to blame the two or three Angry Orchards I had the night before, but I'm a goofball at the best of times so...). After tearing both apart the CD mysterious appeared right on top of one of my Blu-Ray/DVD towers. The weird thing is I remember scanning the tops of them with my eyes and not seeing anything. By this point I really began to wonder if there was something "otherworldly" about Space Monkey's first full-length album. Whatever the case might be I went about putting the CD into on one of my two stereos. Nothing happened. I couldn't get the disc to play. OK, I tried the other one and the same thing happened. "Alright, this is really odd now" I thought to myself so I ended up having to borrow one from my parents. With their CD boombox in hand the disc finally played! I figured everything was right with the world. Naturally I was wrong as I couldn't get the volume button to turn down any! So, not only did this disc play hard to get, but once I actually manged to capture it and get it to "communicate" with me this album insisted upon being played LOUD and PROUD! Not that there is anything wrong with that!! Naturally you might be thinking that there was something wrong with the disc, but the really strange thing is after playing it on someone else boombox it played perfectly fine on all of my devices! It all sounds so f**ked up, but I couldn't make up a story like this if I tried! So, with all of that said what are we to make of the Cleveland-based Space Monkey? Well, first things first. Lead singer Nicholas Jarrell (ex-Order 66 vocalist) and bass guitarist/vocalist Terry Johnson round things out for the heavier than the almighty heavens Space Monkey and on "The Blackest Hole" not only does he guest as a lead vocalist on the excellent thrash metal attack track that is "Twisted Visions", but Noah Buchanan recorded and co-produced the disc as well! It's all rather fitting that a soon to be legendary Cleveland band hooked up with a legendary Cleveland musician/producer like Noah Buchanan. His fingerprints can be seen all over this album which sees the guys in Space Monkey drawing from influences that range from Mastodon (opener "Dark In Continents") to Queens of the Stone Age (the sweet as f**k "Manic" that mixes desert rock with lethal does of modern metal!). It's not until track number four (the soul-crushing "Infested Water") that we hear some of At No End's hardcore influence creep into the mix, but really once you hit play and "Dark In Continents" kicks in you're going to hear all sorts of crazy stuff** so it's best to just keep your ears wide open for this pulverizing disc! To wrap things up let me just say this. For a first album, "The Blackest Hole" is just about flawless. Even if it took me awhile to get to the heart of the matter (why this disc had to tease me/torment me unmercifully I'll never know!) this new album from Space Monkey offers more proof that when it comes to extreme metal Ohio has some of the best bands out there bar none! All that's left for me to do now is check this act out live and in bloody red color and everything will be just golden delicious!   




*In addition to a few things that I had ordered off of eBay that finally showed up(!) that day alone I received four separate promo CDs! If only I was half as popular with the ladies as I was with record labels and artists...

**Besides modern metal, death thrash, hardcore and stoner rock there were tiny flashes of goth metal, alternative metal and even black metal. No one can say "The Blackest Hole" isn't interesting!

Solipsist-The Burning Mass

Ferocious Records
2015

Solipsist is a long-running metal band that is based in Cleveland, Ohio and has two EPs, two splits and (thanks to this late March release) two full-length albums to it's name. Since day one this five-piece group has been fronted by lead singer/producer Noah Buchanan (From the Hellmouth, Ron George, Nunslaughter (live), Arecibo) and on their latest release here this extreme front-man is aided by the mad skills of Mark Witherspoon (guitars), Steve Sinko (guitars), Dave Vezdos (bass), and Dave Chojnacki (drums). While the group issued it's first EP, "Medicate the Masses", back in 2007 it was actually Solipsist's 2010 full-length debut, "The Human Equation" that put this (HEAVY as HELL) metal band on everyone's radar. Between that release and the band's (equally-epic) 2012 follow-up (the self-released "Extinction Protocol") it was GAME ON MOTHERFUCKERS for these Cleveland death thrashers and "The Burning Mass" is no exception! Self-produced by Noah Buchanan and his fellow bandmates, "The Burning Mass" is Solipsist's first full-length album on actual label and they celebrate this glorious occasion in grand style. In other words they pull down the heavens and stomp the living fuck out of anything and anyone that dares get in their way!!! By this point in their stellar career the guys in Solipsist have made easy work of the whole slash 'em/bash 'em style of death metal thrash and in many people's minds they are towards the top of the heap as far as that type of extreme music is concerned. Thankfully much of what you'll hear on this album tilts towards that same direction. Heavily in fact! But then it's also no great secret that the guys in Solipsist like to pull in different elements of not only death metal (melodic and technical) and thrash (the same as far as melodic and technical goes, but also raw, hardcore-tinged thrash!), but things like heavy power metal, metalcore and groove. It's not as if any of that has suddenly disappeared with the group's second studio album or anything. With "The Burning Mass" you get all of that metallic taste, but with no artificial colors or flavors! Every once of fat has been trimmed from this huge slab of meat which ends up leaving nothing but a prime-time (grab some cold beers fellas!) meal that you'll want to gobble up in one sitting! Once more this criminally-underrated Ohio band brings pride to our metal scene and with it's pristine production job and absolutely perfect framework they also highlight the glorious state of extreme metal here in the U.S.! Over the past few years Solipsist has all but destroyed the notion that independent/underground metal bands can't compete on the big stage with the name brand artists and I'd dare anyone to go and listen to "The Burning Mass" and then tell me in all honestly that it doesn't belong in the same league as said bands! This Cleveland band has reached it's evolutionary peak and it's a place where all the best characteristics of death metal, thrash, metalcore, groove, and even (modern) hard rock/heavy metal rest comfortably in the knowledge that there is no more that needs to be achieved! Every-bit the real deal and an absolute must-buy for fans of all things BRUTAL and BEASTLY, "The Burning Mass" made me see Solipsist in a whole new light and chances are it will do the same thing to you. I've been a fan of this extreme metal band since I first heard "The Human Equation" back in early 2011 and even so there is no way in heaven or hell that I could have foreseen just how FUCKING amazing this gang would get! Do whatever needs to be done to snag and bag this CD and if you live anywhere near where this band is playing live then drop what you're doing and get out there & get down with this bad ass metal machine!

Hemi Devils-The Trilogy Of 6 – Volume 1

Self-Release/Independent
2015

"Rock-n-Roll Fueled By The Devil". That's the short and the (sinfully!) sweet of it when it comes to Ohio's one and only Hemi Devils. Based in Cleveland, with the recently-released EP, "The Trilogy Of 6 – Volume 1" serving as the soundtrack to this band's (alcohol-fueled) crazy train ride to hell and back (!), this wicked cool hard & heavy rockabilly band is another Ohio band destined for bigger and better things and it all starts here with these six songs. As usual though I'm getting WAY ahead of myself so let's rewind the tape and start somewhere closer to the beginning. Driven by not only "Hotrods, Hot Broads, and Hot Rock n Roll.", but (judging by the EP's lyrics and all!) cases of  Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (!), Hemi Devils is a band deeply-drenched in nostalgia and the good old sounds of yesterday. OK, let me rephrase that as I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. Hemi Devils is a throwback to when rock was still dirty and dangerous and heavy metal wasn't so damn serious all the freaking time! The five guys in Hemi Devils (Jack, Rob, Kenny, Burn, and Scott) offer the listening audience a great alternative to the bland crap now plaguing rock radio. It's a sound and a lifestyle that many of us are secretly craving, but dare not say out-loud for fear of reprisal. To put it another way this is one band that (thankfully) doesn't give a rat's ass about the PC police! With Hemi Devils there are no pulled punches when it comes to things like booze, drugs and yes, even women ("Barfly Baby" anyone?) and man alive is that refreshing! Trust me here friends. After it's all been said and done you're going to want to check out this band's bandcamp page because (frankly speaking) it's all so much fun! Engineered, produced, mixed and mastered by Noah Buchanan at Brainchild Studios in the band's hometown of Cleveland, "The Trilogy Of 6 – Volume 1" was just released at the tail end of July. As such it's still hot to the touch and that much is abundantly clear once you've dug into this EP's blazing opener, "Baptized in Gasoline". It's got a nasty Rob Zombie meets Motörhead vibe going for it and if there is a better way to start an album off then this ripper then I sure as hell would like to know about it! From "Baptized in Gasoline" we head on out to aforementioned "Barfly Baby". Here we find lead singer Jack and his comrades adding some rockabilly to the mix by way of The Stray Cats. It's a potent addition alright and one has to assume that this mash up of Rob Zombie, Motörhead and The Stray Cats must sound as good in a live setting as it does here on tape! "Uncle Satan" throws more gasoline on the fire with dive bar worthy riff & roll flirting it up with rockabilly and for some reason I had flashes of Lords Of The Highway zipping through my mind! Not that the Lords Of The Highway were ever this HEAVY or anything. It's just a similar (somewhat) sleazy vibe. "She Devil" is next and this gritty roller is as sick as it is slick. It's also heavy as all get out and with it's bad woman from hell story-line it's a tale that many of us can easily relate to! "Angel Waiting" is sing-a-long rockabilly tossed together with garage rock and roll and if not for the explicit content this one could makes waves on alternative radio. "Electric Wine" (see video below) wraps things up and this heavy, fist-clenched rocker is one of the EP's finest moments. Heavy metal fanatics will appreciate it's all or nothing aggression as will the hard rock crowd. It's the perfect bookend to "Baptized in Gasoline" and it does the job that it was put in place to do. It makes you want to hit repeat in order that you can enjoy this wild rock and roll roller-coaster all over again! Given this EP's crazy low price (it's something like $7 for U.S. customers and that includes shipping!) there's no reason not to jump on this release so do it now!

Olathia-Hunters

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Issued this past May (and available as both a digital download and in CD form), "Hunters" is a full-length album from Cleveland, Ohio's one and only Olathia (oh-LAY-thee-ah). It was back in January of this year that I posted my coverage of this band's previous single and while I personally enjoyed it (and still recommend it!) that particular 3-track recording did seem to illicit mixed reviews from critics (both professional and not so professional). The key thing to remember is that was then and this is now. We're talking about a couple of songs verses a full-blown release. With their 7-track debut album here Olathia is given the opportunity to fully work out their overall sound. While "Hunters" features the two previously-released singles ("Hellbound" and "Open your Eyes") it also comes pack with such gems as "Feel the Earth", "Seven Deadly Sins", "When I Die", "After I Die" and the title cut. When given more room to run about and flex their creative muscles this Cleveland band (Chris E, Jake Nicholson, Steve Albenze, Sully, and Jeff Morrow) pulls out all the stops and that much was obvious once the "new" number "Feel the Earth" kicked down the proverbial door! Following closely behind wicked opener "Hellbound" (see my previous review of this sick single at the link above), "Feel the Earth" packs the same familiar punch as it predecessor. But whereas "Hellbound" is straight-up CHAOS the album's second cut maxes out (hard) heavy metal and the thrashier side of metalcore! For lead singer Chris E. (ex-Cellbound) and her bandmates the resulting onslaught of "Fell the Earth" is just the sort of thing that heavy metal maniacs live for as it's LOUD and most definitely LETHAL! Moving past the other previously-released track (the rock radio-friendly "Open your Eyes") we have "Seven Deadly Sins". This is speed metal/thrash at first and damn fine speed/thrash at that! It's not long though before it finds it's way into modern metal territory. While that would normally be a terrible thing (what with most modern metal bands/songs walking a fine line between trash and treasure!) here on "Hunters" it works. That would be thanks to the skill-set of guitarists Jake Nicholson (ex-Black Valor) & Steve Albenze (Idleblack), bassist Sully (Crown Royal), and drummer Jeff Morrow (Dose). As great as Chris E. is as a singer she is by no means a lone island. She is backed by a great group of musicians who help bring power and passion to the mix. So, between the vocals and the music we've got a nice flow going for Olathia and that naturally enough brings us back to "Hunters" (or to be more specific this album's title cut!). The title cut actually slows things down (if ever so slightly) with a preference for stream-lined metal. It's a nice change and it goes a long ways towards showcasing this Cleveland band's wide range of influences. Still, we are talking about a metal band that loves to put the HEAVY in everything they do. With "When I Die" Olathia brings back the fury and then some! "When I Die" drops the bomb (!) on your speakers and your eardrums! Sure there's a undercurrent of Pantera, but otherwise it's all or nothing blistering metalcore/thrash with Chris showing off her impressive range and bonus points awarded for the sticky sweet solo work of Olathia's guitarists! Of course "When I Die" takes us straight to "After I Die". Here we have a hint of progressive metal and some key moments that bring to mind the best that classic and traditional heavy metal has to offer. All of which is great of course. The odd thing is while all of that is going on I couldn't help but picture Metallica's "Fade To Black"! Even though "After I Die" is perfectly capable of standing on it's own two feet it has that same kind of melancholy vibe going for it as "Fade To Black" does. Whatever the case is the song works and the same can be said for "Hunters" as a whole. Whether it fully captures the live spirit of this amazing band* is open to debate, but for a debut album it works wonders. There is depth behind the numbers and there is a huge-range of styles on display within "Hunters". Newcomers should appreciate the energy and overall sense of metallic urgency of this Ohio band and they should find much to enjoy about the very lovely and extremely talented Chris E. Now, for those who might not have bonded with this group's previously-released single I would say that it is time to give Olathia another shot. "Hunters" feels like a complete work whereas I can kind of understand how the 2014 single might have come across as a bit "jarring" to some (one very wicked slab of metalcore/thrash packed up next to two versions of the more subtle and radio-friendly "Open Your Eyes" could feel uneven to some I suppose). On their own these seven numbers might feel discombobulated. But when paired together? Well, it's a whole different story! They  offer a clearer picture of Olathia as a whole, fully-functioning unit and these differing numbers feed off of the strengths of each other. "Hunters" needs to be played start to finish in order to get a feel for the whole story, but once you tap into this album you won't want it any other way! To Olathia I say great job and keep up the good work.



*As one of the hardest working and most charismatic bands in all of Cleveland the five-piece Olathia has amassed a large & loyal following. Their high-energy live shows are not to be missed! The way in which Chris E. easily captivates the audience is amazing, but then again so is the metallic assault of this local hard & heavy favorite!

Interview with Tyler J. Harvey of Cleveland band Deadiron

For those who might not know the name Deadiron then here's the scoop. This fresh and original heavy metal/ power metal band has become the new face of Cleveland's metal scene thanks to top-notch studio work and high-impact local live shows that have become the stuff of legend! Having recently-released the killer "Into the Fray" (one album that is a must-buy for fans of N.W.O.B.H.M.-inspired power metal/thrash metal as well as metalheads that just love emotional/thinking man's metal!) band-member/super cool & insanely nice guy Tyler J. Harvey (lead guitars) was kind enough to sit down and chat with us about the new album, Deadiron's past, present and future plans and why Cleveland has some of the greatest fans in all of metal! I want to thank Tyler for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with us and if you haven't already done so then be sure to check out my review of "Into the Fray".


 Andy-First things first Tyler and that is I have just got to congratulate you on your band's new album. I must say it's nothing short of fabulous! It simply shreds!

Tyler-Thank you! We really appreciate that. We think so too!

Andy-Speaking of the band would you please introduce the rest of the members of Deadiron and tell us about your newest member?

Tyler-Alexander Van Ness handles vocals, Tom Walling is on the drums, J Bennett is on bass guitar and backing vocals and CJ Langmack on rhythm guitar.

Andy-How did Deadiron first come together?

Tyler-Deadiron first came into being when AVN met our original founding guitarist Sunny Kolattukudy. They jammed as a 3 piece for a number of years with our first drummer, Mark Rheaume. It was a few years later when I showed up in 2010. I met Mark at a party and met the rest of the guys through him. We played out as a 4 piece and I decided to stay in Cleveland to be with the band. Then we just started upping our game on all fronts. We brought in Tom, then J, who really gave the rhythm section a massive, tight sound and new life. It also allowed AVN to focus on frontman duties which he excels at. (Editor's note: I couldn't agree more!). Then there came a time when Sunny decided music was no longer in his heart and we parted ways. Fast forward a few years, and couple rhythm guitar players, and here we are today.

Andy-Early on your sound was more hardcore in nature. Was this carried over from the band Brazen Rogues?

Tyler-This was more from both Alex's and Sunny's mutual interest in hardcore music. Bands like Wisdom in Chains were, and still are very influential to us. We love the aggressive sound, the angry and true lyrics, and the real as hell outlook bands like them offer.

Andy-Now, you mentioned Sunny (Sunny K-former rhythm guitarist/backing vocalist and all around nice guy!) and that brings up a good point. Deadiron has had it's fair share of line-up changes over the years and yet you've come out of it all stronger. Still that could not have been easy right?

Tyler-It's never easy. While it's fun to joke that we've developed a Spinal Tap syndrome, it's hard to either watch guys walk, or let them go. Everyone one of those guys who came and went made a lasting impact on us personally, and we remember the lessons we learned from all of them. We feel really good about our new guy, CJ Langmack. He came in just in time for the CD release show and really nailed it.
Andy-Let's move from the past now and get back to the present. Could you talk to us about the creation of "Into the Fray"? Your new album sounds slicker than your debut.

Tyler-It certainly is an improvement over "Out of the Rust and Ruin" in a production sense. Everything was tracked side by side with our producer, David Piatek, of Dave Piatek Recording Studio. Drums and bass took only a few days to track, while the guitars and vocals were a longer process. The guitar tone is a huge improvement over Rust and Ruin thanks to some lovely gear at our disposal, as well as being able to really define what we didn't like about the first record. However, it really is the vocals that have improved the most. Alex Van Ness did a wonderful job in the studio, and Dave did a great job demanding the best from him. We wanted to go for more clean vocals to help open us up to a much wider audience who may have been turned off by Al's earlier rough vocals.  It's also what you get when you work with the same producer for a follow up album. Everyone has a better working relationship, and everyone is just more adept at what they do.

Andy-When "Out of the Rust and Ruin" was released a lot of fans and critics described your band as a cross between the likes of Iron Maiden and Judas and bands such as Metallica and Megadeth. On "Into the Fray" though there are elements of not only N.W.O.B.H.M. and power metal/thrash, but seemingly everything from Black Sabbath to Volbeat. Is this the result of fresh blood or is a natural progressive for Deadiron?

Tyler-Well, that's pretty great you can hear all those things! This is simply what you get when you mix our writing styles of the "Core Four" (AVN, TH, TW, JB) and the production style of Dave Piatek. We aim to be true to metal and ourselves, yet we want to bring it to a wide audience.

Andy-The new album also seems more personal than other work. Could you tell us about the heartache and struggles that are represented in the songs?

Tyler-This album is definitely a bit of a gut wrencher at times. There are so many stories involved with the songs that it's hard to really highlight all of them. Most of them stem from AVN's personal life and history, while others come from the rest of us. We have always felt as a band that metal lyrics can be rather superficial, so we try to sing about real things in the real world. I could go into detail about what each is about, but I encourage all of you to come to a show or even just message us to get the scoop!

Andy-Who handled the bulk of the songwriting verses instrumentation arrangements?

Tyler-Deadiron is a unique band because we are all partly or equally responsible for the music we make. Even if one member brings the stem ideas on the table, the rest of the band's input is what truly makes it a Deadiron piece. Songs like Travisty and Whiskey by the Mound were written long before Deadiron was a band, yet only after the collaboration does it take on new life and become Deadiron's. Alex of course writes a bulk of his own lyrics, but he accepts input and isn't afraid to change something for the better simply because he didn't write it. Same goes for everyone else and their own parts. In short, while we may have defined roles in the band, the music making process is shared by all of us.

Andy-I agree with you about the lyrics. When they are more personal they tend to have more of an impact. It certainly allows the listener the change to become more in sync with a band. And really that is the one thing I've always taken away from Deadiron. You guys seem to have a real connection with your fans. Is that a fair assessment?

Tyler-We love our fans. We've learned however that our fans tend to become actual friends of ours. We have people from all over the region who come out and support us, but it's really like going to see your old buddies from high school. Calling those types of people "fans" almost feels insulting to us. But yes, we love meeting and interacting with people who care enough about us and our music to come see us. It's an amazing thing.

Andy-Speaking of Deadiron fans, scratch that as I meant to say friends(!),  you just recently had your CD release show. How was the reaction from your friends and loyal followers?

Tyler-That CD release show was an incredible event. It was really the pet project of our drummer Tom Walling. He and our bassist, J Bennett, were instrumental in making this show run smoothly and beautifully. Thanks to Tom, we had a diverse bill full of excited bands. Thank to J, we had an amazing looking stage complete with ego boxes and backdrops. He is very experienced in stage managing as well so he really led the troops that day. We had an amazing response at the show, people are in love with the new record and they love seeing us play the songs live. We made a whole lot of new Deadiron fans that night! And of course, there were plenty of our favorite armored minions wrecking havoc in the pit!

Deadiron live at the "Into the Fray" CD release show

Andy-You guys obviously have a lot of love for Cleveland just as Cleveland has a lot of love for Deadiron. For our readers who don't live in Ohio would you explain to them what makes Cleveland so special?

Tyler-Well, I probably can't answer this as well as the rest of the guys who are Ohio natives, but my outlook as an outsider turned Clevelander has taught me a few things about the city. Firstly, it's the people of Cleveland who truly make the city special. So what we don't have a great skyline, or a cool lakefront, or whatever, or whatever. But what we do have are some of the best friends and supporters you could ask for. People from Cleveland care about their city and their own in a way that is much different from other places. The reason I decided to stay here was because the music scene was so supportive. People actually came out to see your band. It's a beautiful thing.

Andy-What are some other local bands that you would suggest our readers check out?

Tyler-Well, we've played with a lot of really great bands in our time here. Some have moved up and onward, while others have disbanded. Right now, I'll suggest you check out Visionaries, Hawkeye, Craic, This is a Lifetime and Purveyors of Fiction. These guys did a superb job playing at our CD release show, and brought the heavy in their own unique ways. Of course, the best thing you can do is simply make it out to a local show somewhere once a month. Get to know your scene!

Andy-You're now signed to Auburn Records right? Could you tell us how that deal came about and what it is like to be signed to such a classic label?

Tyler-Bill Peters was turned on to us by the wonderful Chris E. of Olathia. We played a show for her band Cellbound at the time, and she loved our music, and recommend us to Bill. That was back in 2012 I believe, and since then Bill Peters has been a staunch supporter of us. He's always believed we were heading upward, and he wanted to take us overseas where our sound could really take off. The timing was right for the new album, and we signed with Bill and Auburn because it was a pretty easy decision to do so! And as for what it's like? It's quite nice. :)

Andy-Speaking of which, when will our readers be able to pick up a CD copy of your new album and where should I point them to do so?

Tyler-The album is out NOW! You can buy it digitally at https://deadiron216.bandcamp.com/ OR buy the physical CD at www.deadiron.com in our merch section!

Andy-Are there any upcoming shows that you would like to promote?

Tyler-We are playing the Empire Concert Club in Akron on April 18th with some sweet power metal bands. This is a classic line up! Here's a FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1489317994666498/ Other than that, we are still in the process of booking regional weekend warrior dates!

Andy-You're right Tyer. That show on the 18th of April sounds like it will be stone-cold killer! Beside Deadiron you've got Power Theory, Wretch, L.A. Knights and Axemaster! That's wicked stuff right there!! So, What does the rest of 2015 look like for Deadiron?

Tyler-Lots of growing up to do. We are all preparing for the biggest and most important show of our lives. As a band, there is a lot to learn from this experience, both logistically and professionally. We are very lucky to have an extremely solid group of people helping us. Auburn Records and Bill Peters, our Manager, Karoline Kramer-Gould, and our Social Media Directer, Rick "Truth" Walker. 2015 will be about becoming an even more finely tuned machine, set for worldwide destruction!

Andy-Awesome! Now, I always give bands the last word Tyler so the stage is all yours! Is there anything we missed that you would like to talk about? Is there a book or two that you would like to recommend? Have a favorite drink mix you want to share? Predictions for the Browns in 2015? The mic is yours and yours only so let freedom ring!

Tyler-Ha! Well, let me first just thank you for this chance to talk with you about Deadiron. I'd like to thank my bandmates for letting me grab the mic on this one too! Other than that, THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has ever supported us, ever came to a show, or ever bought merch from us. You are all valuable people, and the reason we keep driving forward! We will make all you Clevelanders proud! Buy the album!!! - Tyler J. Harvey

Deadiron-Into the Fray

Auburn Records
2015

Three years after the release of "Out of the Rust and Ruin" Cleveland-proud heavy metal/power metal band Deadiron has finally cut lose the reigns that were holding back their long-awaited and (hell to the f**k yeah!) highly-anticipated sophomore album. And while it wasn't easy waiting for the band to finally unveil the new album that we have before us (what with the sneak peak song "Bloodline" having been covered way back on May 1st of 2014!) it is all made worthwhile once you crack open and get your first taste of this album's brilliant starting track, "Cast No Shadow"! Straight out of the gate we find lead vocalist Alexander Van Ness (Brazen Rogues, Hrafnsong, Skullfuckers, ex-Neonatal Death, ex-Victory Flag) ready to rumble and while he was good on the group's 2012 debut-album here on "Into the Fray" he has tapped into something much more than just special. On the reflective "In Memorium" Alexander's voice cuts deeper than previously thought possible and with the band's rapid-fire approach squarely hitting every new target that it encounters  it simply does not get any better than this! As the real voice of Cleveland this five-piece "Bash 'Em and Thrash 'Em" band makes easy work of a classic metal number like "Lady Red" before whipping up a wild frenzy on the punk-infused & Metallica/Slayer-inspired "Travisty"! Preceded by the all-too-brief instrumental "прощай" (proschay) the jagged cut "Travisty" is actually a cover song  from Alexander's former band, Brazen Rogues and when it is followed by the killer "Long Way Home" this album's smooth flow cannot be matched! And speaking of smooth, Deadiron lead guitarist Tyler Harvey (The Plague) provides solos that are epically smooth and sleek and when backed up by CJ Langmack's (sweet) rhythm guitar performances this Ohio band's second full-length release takes a running leap right towards the top of heavy metal's mountain!  With bass guitarist J Bennett (Falling You, Lycia, Midian, Subtle End, Von Isely) and drummer Tom Walling (Degameth, ex-Mo Rage) rounding things out the new and improved Deadiron that is present on "Into the Fray" is second to none! With no dubs in sight, "Into the Fray" excels on every level and whether you are talking about the Judas Priest/Manowar-like title cut or the N.W.O.B.H.M. meets "Ride The Lighting"-era Metallica track "Skies of Gray" (which I love!) it's all good my friends! Even the Volbeat-infused  "Whiskey by the Mound" works better than it has any right to and for Deadiron it's never a question of do we or do we not highlight our influences, but rather how should we properly display our influences so that (above all else) we remain true to ourselves? Whatever thought process goes into the creation of new Deadiron music the result speak for itself! From Iron Maiden to Corrosion of Conformity/Metallica to Alice in Chains the influences remain, but pound for pound this is straight-up Deadiron and that sure as hell does not look as if it's going to change anything soon! Thank God for that! You can find out more about Cleveland's own Deadiron here and be sure to keep your eyes out for an interview that I have planned with the band! This album is stamped with the BRIGHTEST and BOLDEST seal of approval available I have on hand and it easily gets a 9 out of 10 rating from the staff here at Heavy Metal Time Machine! 

Sunless Sky-Firebreather

Pure Steel Records
2014

Released this past August (appropriately enough on Pure Steel Records as it's a match made in heavy metal heaven), "Firebreather" is the full-length debut from Cleveland, Ohio's Sunless Sky. Having only existed since 2012 or so this five-piece traditional/U.S. power metal outfit might sound young (at least on paper), but in actuality Sunless Sky is made up of heavy metal veterans who (collectively) have well over 20 years worth of experience in the field of U.S. metal. Scratch that. Let's make that the Cleveland metal scene as guitarist Harry Hillock spent over 15 years with the band Erecto-Hector while Sunless Sky's front-man is none other than Juan Ricardo (Dark Arena, Ritual of Torment, ex-Attaxe, ex-Ritual, ex-Tormentor, ex-Zyklone, ex-Arenah, ex-Stryker)! Rounded out by guitarist Dave Kirk (Vile Indignation), bassist John "Jocko" Jerman (Blessed Sickness, ex-Embalmer) and drummer Rob Brandt (Swallowed By Apathy), Sunless Sky is loaded with experience and it shows here on "Firebreather"! Move beyond the odd choice of album art that surrounds "Firebreather" and you will find opener that "Subzero" is some of the best melodic power metal that Ohio has to offer! Co-written by Dave Kirk and Juan Ricardo (with Dave providing the song's exceptional intro and solo!) "Subzero" sets the stage for the triumphant album that is soon to unfold. Guitarists Harry Hillock and Dave Kirk make for a formidable duo (just check out the pair's soaring delivery on the heavy, "Air Raid"!) while the nearly operatic voice of  Juan Ricardo gives not only the opening number a distinctive epic vibe, but the better part of this album! And speaking of Juan Ricardo, Sunless Sky's impressive front-man makes his talent known early on and for fan's of James Rivera (Helstar, Seven Witches and so much more!) and Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden, Samson) you simply could not ask for a better "new favorite vocalist" if you tried! That Bruce Dickinson reference point brings to mind "Deathmachine" as this one sounds like Iron Maiden in an alternative reality where their greatest influence was Slayer! From there the title cut kicks in and we're treated to more suburb material and for this Cleveland band it's all gun's blazing as N.W.O.B.H.M. and traditional metal influences spill over into classic power metal. Obviously it's a bit odd then when "Immorality" cuts in on the dance. More rock-based than the album's first few numbers it's nonetheless enjoyable and it clearly shows off Sunless Sky's expansive style. With "Pandemonium" it's a heavy take on Iron Maiden (an enjoyable heavy take on Iron Maiden!) while "The Whaler" moves things back into more of the U.S. power metal territory. As do "Fear", "Grind You Down", "Human Time Bomb" (featuring guest vocals by Michelle Nader) and "Planet-X" but it's never an issue seeing as the power metal influences here on "Firebreather" range from the likes of Seven Witches to Dio! Next there's "Solitude" which opens with the pondering line "Why is death so hard?" before settling into some N.W.O.B.H. M.-infused U.S. power metal and with the lead solo of Harry Hillock reminding me for all the world of the late/great Randy Rhodes it's a key moment that will stick with me for some time to come! The cut "Warlords" is perfectly placed as the album's 13th track as it's dark and epic giving "Firebreather" the feel of a concept album. Technically the album ends there, but as a hidden track you've got "Candys Gone Bad". Featuring one time Sacred Few member Sandy Kruger as a guest, "Candys Gone Bad" is more along the lines of the earlier track "Immorality". Oddly enough it reminds me of the N.W.O.B.H.M. sound of bands like Saxon as much as it does "Brick By Brick"-era Iggy Pop! And no, it's not just because of the "Candy" connection LOL! Instead I find "Candys Gone Bad" a nice change of pace and I absolutely dig what it brings to the party! Again it showcases the versatile appeal of Cleveland's Sunless Sky and it shows how easy it would be for this Ohio band to break out and become a leading voice in the field of U.S. power metal! As a Sunless Sky's first showing there is nothing here to complain about (other than the album's artwork which might give some prospective a cause to pause and ponder what it's all about) and in fact this CD might just battle it out for top debut-album honors at the end of 2014! "Firebreather" can be purchased at the link below while you can find Sunless Sky right here: https://www.facebook.com/SunlessSky   

"Firebreather":
http://www.puresteel-shop.com/SUNLESS-SKY-Firebreather_1 

Midnight-No Mercy for Mayhem

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Hells Headbangers
2014

About a week ago I was strumming through my vinyl collection when I came across Boulder's "555" and I found myself wondering what Jamie Walters was up to? And then it hit me. Wait, isn't my (One time? Current?) neighbor* doing his thing in Midnight? Sure enough and here it is. "No Mercy for Mayhem" is the latest labor of love from Jamie Walters and company and it's everything that we have come to know and expect from this crass, vile and utterly unholy Cleveland band and then some! The last time we checked in with this black n' rolled, punk speed metal band was by way of the compilation disc "Complete and Total Hell". That was 2012 though and in-between that crazy cool compilation and this full-length endeavor the band released a live album, one EP and and a cover of Venom's "Too Loud (for the Crowd)". That particular Venom cover is as good a place as any to start when discussing Midnight's role in the grand scheme of things. But, here is the thing. Seeing as Midnight draws from such a wide range of sources** and marches to the beat of it's own diabolical drummer (which, at least on the 2CD version of "No Mercy for Mayhem" that features Midnight's previously-mentioned live outing, "Alive on the Streets of Cleveland", would be SS) it's nowhere near that easy to define the who, what and where of this occult outfit. Not that it should be easy to pinpoint Midnight's sound and style! What would be the point of it all if Midnight were just to fall easily into some neat little box? Instead we should just consider who is running this lot and accept the fact that just like the other band's that Jamie (aka: Athenar) has been involved with (Mach II, Sweet Roxx, Boulder, Destructor, Terminal Lovers, Toxic Holocaust (live), Abdullah, King Travolta and Hangnail) Midnight runs things it's own way and they are all the better because of that! "No Mercy for Mayhem" is blackened speed metal and it does contain crusty old punk rock and hardcore reference marks, but it also Midnight's own (unmistakable and unholy) brand of noise! If you've heard Midnight before and dug what the band was thrash rockin' on about then you should snag and bag this new disc (preferably in the two disc format as it's all the more spicy!). If you've never experienced this band before then treed carefully. You should still buy the album (or again, the two disc CD version as it's even tastier!) and all, but I would treed carefully nonetheless! As a final note sometimes I find it amazing that a band like Midnight hails from the hometown of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For all intensive purposes Midnight destroys rock and roll and I mean that in the best way possible! But then maybe rock and roll should be destroyed? Or at least that shame of a building called The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? In it's place we could build a new "holy site" dedicated to Ohio's true saving grace, it's metal scene! And (naturally) right off the bat we would induct bands like Midnight! This time I really think I'm on to something....


*Back before Jamie (aka: Athenar as he is known in Midnight) founded this (killer) blackened speed metal project he played in Boulder (among several other bands). And as it turned out Boulder's contact information happened to be located in my hometown. And yes, It does still boggle my mind that the same (extremely cool) guy that once sent me misc. Boulder merchandise is now fronting one of the most compelling black metal bands out there!

**What I love absolutely about Midnight (besides it's front-man) is how they are able to take what are essentially some of my all-time favorite bands (Motörhead, Tank, Raven, Exciter, Venom, Mantis, (early) Metallica, Megadeath, Slayer, Possessed, (early) Sodom, ("Gates to Purgatory"/"Branded and Exiled'-era) Running Wild, Warrant (the German one duh!), Discharge, The Exploited, Carnivore and (on the newer side of things and also connected to Hells Headbangers) Speedwolf, Crucified Mortals, Tiger Junkies and Intöxicated) and (by way of mystical magic and/or occult practices) turn them into blackened metal mania!  

Death of Samantha-"If Memory Serves Us Well"

St. Valentine Records
2013

Twenty four years after the release of  the acclaimed "Come All Ye Faithless", Death of Samantha's then perceived swan-song, Cleveland's long-loved underground rockers came back together for a reunion concert. In anticipation of the show Death of Samantha ended up recording "If Memory Serves Us Well" live in the studio. Spanning the length of their career, which would initially run from the summer of 1983 (when singer/guitarist John Petkovic first formed the band, which was named after a song from the highly overrated Plastic Ono Band, as "almost a joke") to 1990 (included here are the cuts "Now Its Your Turn (To Be A Martyr)" and "Rosenberg Summer" off of 1989's "Come All Ye Faithless") and with a remarkable 18 tracks in total (opener "Coca Cola & Licorice" having first served as my personal introduction to this post-punk/garage rock collective) this is one CD/double-LP that would be perfect for long-time fans and newcomers alike! Inside the CD copy that I received from the cool folks at Howlin' Wuelf Media (http://howlinwuelf.com/index.html) there is a nice collage of Death of Samantha (or DOS for short!) pics as well as liner notes by Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees) and Robert Pollard (Guided by Voices) as well as a brief bio by Byron Coley. Meanwhile the double-LP version reportedly comes with insert poster. Either way you can't go wrong seeing as "If Memory Serves Us Well" is a good overview of these Cleveland rockers! As someone who spent a great deal of his formative years Ohio, inside and around both the metal and punk scene of Cleveland and beyond (lots of stories kids believe you me!) a retrospective look at an old favorite like this is always welcome! It's a bit of a toss up as to which of these two observations is more impressive, the fact that original four-piece lineup of DOS (vocalist/guitarist/clarinetist John Petkovic, lead guitarist Doug Gillard, bassist David James and drummer Steven "Steve-O" Eierdam) still sounds young and vibrant or the fact that early tracks such as "Conviction", "Couldn't Forget 'Bout That (One Item)" and "Amphetamine" are still fresh and relevant? I'd suggest that both items show why DOS was so important to our scene then and now! In their own way, playing by their own set of rules and refusing to be categorized as anything but simple Death of  Samantha, John Petkovic took a band that might have just started off a mere "joke" and created a timeless example of why, despite all the shortcomings of our Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland really does rock! For DOS it was in their blood. From real rock to punk Cleveland and it's surrounding area had it all and DOS soaked it up and in their own fashion they channeled that heritage and wove it into the likes of "Coca Cola & Licorice", "Amphetamine", "Bed of Fire", "Conviction" and "Turquoise Hand". Few post-punk/underground rock bands wrote such memorable songs as DOS did. Their music, even at it's most chaotic moments, was filled with wit and it carried along enough street cred to win over the punks, the hipsters and all the rock and rollers. "If Memory Serves Us Well" gathers all that brilliance, the songs which show us why we need the likes of DOS now more then every,  into one neat package. Needless to say this one has already been embraced by me and it will be well-loved from here o out until that great rock and roller up above calls me home!

http://www.deathofsamantha.com/

DEADIRON-""Bloodline" (Sneak-Peak Single from upcoming new album,"Into the Fray")

It has been a L-O-N-G time since we last heard from Cleveland's DEADIRON. Too long in fact! Or at least when it comes to the faint suggestion that new (studio) music is in the works! For, pretense-wise (as in making sure everyone knows your name!) this hardworking band sure seems as if they are always out and about playing live and building on their (ever-growing and fanatical!) fan-base. With this new number (previewed via the band's video for said thrasher!) Ohio's traditional heavy metal madmen/power thrashers storm back into the spotlight with plenty of head-banging& hair-raising riffs and (thank the maker above for that my friends!) solos that will make you FONDLY recall an era (sadly) long past when guitarists used to actually shred the holy hell out of their axes when they tackled lead solos! Imagine that? I'd be lying though if I said that "Bloodline", which will release to the public in the next month or so,  picks up right where the band left off with their 2012 release, "Out of the Rust and Ruin", as this METAL FUCKING MAD track sounds like it's coming from a completely new band, more hungry and bloodthirsty then ever! That's not to say that former guitarist Sunny K isn't missed. He is, but the band seems to have rallied around themselves, figured they better solider up and have come crashing out with all guns blazing! It's thanks in no small part to bands like DEADIRON that the Ohio metal scene is still hot shit so if you get a change then by all means check these guys out live while they are still our sweet little secret! Sooner or later somebody in a tie and suit is going to hear these guys and snatch them up as DEADIRON puts to shame more then a few (try hundreds!) signed metal acts! With a new album, "Into the Fray", due out for release around July it sure looks as if DEADIRON fans (and, F.Y.I., lovers of all things killer heavy/thrash metal) should have plenty to look forward to this Summer! 

http://deadiron.com/

Seafair-Photographs

Self-Release/Independent
2013

On the surface it might seem strange to have a band like Cleveland, Ohio's Seafair grace the pages of a site like Heavy Metal Time Machine. Formed in late 2010, and with rumors suggesting that their humble roots were at one point planted deep within punk rock's soil, Seafair would likely be dubbed an indie act by the press at large. And yet, as characterized by the group's latest EP "Photographs", these Cleveland scene-toppers offer so much in such a small package that even a slightly-cynical old man like me can't help but smile in appreciation! With her instantly-heartwarming voice, Chayla Hope (who also provides splendid pop keys for Seafair) highlights this act. Fairly-accurately described as bellowing, her classy-style of singing is something that one would naturally expect to find topping the charts of  pop radio not fronting a local band from my part of Ohio! Meanwhile bass player Joshua Riehl (a holdover from the group's early days) and drummer Ryan Kelly (of Cleveland favorites, Unsparing Sea) toss a charismatic rock beat towards the listener and, with little hope of fighting back against the groove, it's a clear-case of hook, line and sinker! As for strings? I mean besides the intricate indie rock bass lines of  Joshua Riehl. Well, that's where the real fun begins when talking about a one-of-a-kind act like Cleveland's Seafair. Along with solo-artist turned (smooth as silk) guitar hero Michael Flaherty (a fine six-string musician whose playing adds to the elegance at the heart of this Ohio act) the band employees a classically trained cellist in Tara Hanish (also formerly of Unsparing Sea) and a classically trained violinist in Andrea Belding! All of which does make Seafair's second overall EP from last November (the first being "Paintings" which was released in May of 2013) a bit hard to describe on paper admittedly (especially as it pulls from pop-rock one moment before shifting over into post-punk territory the next while simultaneously having these delicate classical music elements that I absolutely adored!). Still, even if I can't quite put my finger on what Seafair is supposed to be (live shows reportedly expand the experience ever further with "elements of rock, pop, indie, punk, disco, some blues, and sprinkle a coat of classical on the top of it"!) or how they are supposed to be described (even they kid about such matters as evident by their Facebook page) I know enough to suggest that "Photographs" is as quirky as it is fun! It's geared towards pop fans mostly, but with the ghosts of many a great indie rock band floating around them and the obvious way in which post-punk's shadow can be observed in it's background this one has greater potential then I can properly put to pen. Definitely needs to be heard if one is to truly appreciated everything this act has to offer. 

http://seafairtheband.bandcamp.com/