Carried By Six-Carried By Six

Self-release/Independent
2014

Technically spelled out as "Carriedbysix", with this (long time coming) self-titled, full-length release serving as a proper introduction for this five-piece modern metal collective, Ohio's next big thing was first presented to me last weekend by lead vocalist Nick Pecone (also of soon to be reviewed Purveyors Of Fiction). Since then I've been looping this nine-track recording over and over again in my (metal) mind and (metal) heart! First formed many moons ago as a basement project (the best kind of bands!) Carriedbysix debut output* was recorded in different locations over the course of a year and was mixed by Jeff Dunne (Daylight Dies, Cephalic Carnage, Emmure). Alongside seasoned-musician/versatile lead vocalist Nick Pecone (Burns To The Soul, Purveyors Of Fiction, ex-Uptight Sugar, ex-Autumn Awaits, ex-Diablo Mojo, ex-The Bentreys,   ex-The Decoys and ex-Vrede Hemel), who incidentally proved to be the missing piece to the puzzle/answer to the age old question of "Who can properly convey the appropriate amount of emotion depth needed to take us to the next level?", the band features numerous musicians with ties to some of Ohio's more well-known local bands. Both Donald Spak (guitar) and Alex Hamrick (drums) were members of metalcore outfit Amentia (which can be heard, roots-wise, in cuts like "White Out Tide" and "Pillars") while bassist Mike Bakos and guitarist Garrett Andrews previously played in The Burning Dawn. Meanwhile Carriedbysix's potent rhythm once played together in Lie so there's also that connection. With so many metallic veterans assembled in one place one can't help but assume that everything would work out nicely. The thing is no one (or at least not me!) could have reasonably predicted just how well this outfit would gel and how righteous the group's self-titled album would sound! While this Cleveland lot generally fall under the umbrella of all that is "modern metal" in actuality the group combs through the best parts of classic heavy metal and thrash (technical), progressive metal, epic metal and (even if it's just a smidgen of it) melodic death metal and, thanks to Nick's previous experience with punk and alternative outfits, magically glues everything together into a modern work of art! That might sound as if I'm overselling a local act like Carriedbysix, but until you hear this bunch for yourselves there is no way in which you could completely convey how well a melodic number like the soulful "Somium" works next to a stunning cut like "Poison Blue"! Mixing together harmony and heavy metal doesn't exactly result in a new flavor obviously. Still, few acts pull it off so effortlessly like these Ohio natives. Technically sound (some of these leads could have come straight from "Master Of Puppets"!) and insanely tight in their execution, with heavy thrashers like the killer "Whom Gods Destroy" and the short and sweet (and downright gritty!) "Guilty" providing further proof of this five-piece's ability to rage out while still keeping it all in check, Carriedbysix are exactly how modern day metal bands should function. By bringing different elements into the equation and providing the listener with exciting music that sounds natural and fluid (and is filled with crazy good hooks to boot!) Carriedbysix are yet another example of how amazing the Ohio metal scene has become! You can preview and purchase this one for yourself at the link below and (unless I am mistaken which wouldn't be the first time and most certainly won't be the last time friends!) pick up physical copies sometime in May!


http://carriedbysixcle.bandcamp.com/

*The band also released a demo at one point, but for all intensive purposes this finely-recorded and well-crafted full-length album is the band's proper debut!

Purveyors Of Fiction-Invisible Ink

Refried Audio
2014

As promised this is the second band/second release from well-traveled musician/versatile lead vocalist Nick Pecone (Burns To The Soul, Carriedbysix, ex-Uptight Sugar, ex-Autumn Awaits, ex-Diablo Mojo, ex-The Bentreys, ex-The Decoys and ex-Vrede Hemel) to be covered here at Heavy Metal Time Machine. The previous act, as some of you may recall (ie: the handful of loyal readers that I have who remain under lock and key at the various prisons and mental help facilities across this great land of ours), was Ohio modern metal/progressive metal band Carriedbysix (http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=Carried+By+Six-Carried+By+Six+) who, unlike today's entry, fell squarely into the more "loud and proud" category. But, before we get into what makes this trio tick how about a little bit of history? Here's the "official" bio as sent to me by Nick Pecone (lead vocals & bass) himself. "Nick was drunk at the Agora bitching about how they stole his boxcutters he'd forgotten on him from work. He told Drew* he'd start a band with him because Nick starts bands when he's drinking. Drew thought Nick was a creepy dickhead but he'd suffice until he could find someone new. Drew and Luke were already friends and with Nick they had a full lineup so the band formed. At this point no one has come forward to replace Nick, unfortunately, so he's stuck in the lineup". Got that? Yes? No? Need more help? Alright. So, besides Nick Pecone** of course, Purveyors Of Fiction features guitarist Andrew Minor (Twat Waffle) and drummer Luke Heberle (also the guitarist/lead vocalist of Sails). On their new, just recently-released so it still has that new car smell folks(!), six-track EP, "Invisible Ink", vocalist Nick Pecone and company offer up what they call "stoner blues punk". Of course on their Facebook page Purveyors Of Fiction  is also described as "A Heavy Psychedelic Blues-Punk Trio". Now, if you are like me at all (in which case I truly do feel remorse for you!) you'd probably think of Blue Cheer if you heard the phrase "Heavy Psychedelic Blues-Punk Trio". Or at least something similar. The truth is Purveyors Of Fiction, which lists there influences as being Queens of the Stone Age, The Misfits, Boris. Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Bad Religion and Wisdom In Chains, are all of that (stoner, punk, blues, psychedelic rock) and much, much more! And that's what makes this EP a sure-fire pick-up! These six tracks, which end up clocking in at about 23 minute, really do cover a lot of ground. For example, opener "Veins" is fuzzy, feedback-infused post-rock/grunge (Swans meets The Velvet Underground meets Nirvana perhaps?) while "Darling Darla" (great title!) reminds me of both Blue Cheer and the Butthole Surfers! "Good Man" is blues by way of acid rock and then there's a cut like "Drowning" where, under the cover of night and layers of distortion, this trio trips the light fantastic with some wonderfully diverse groups such as Queens of the Stone Age and Iron Butterfly although honestly there's plenty of love shown to both The Germs and Iggy & The Stooges as well! Closing cut "Gypsy" sounds like Beck being covered by a super-group made up of members of The Melvins, Sonic Youth and Suicide, all of which wraps this EP up in a rather lovely fashion! Length-wise the shortest track here is the dirty punk rocker "Poison Kiss" at 2:46 while the aforementioned "Darling Darla" (again, just love that title!) has a run-time of 4:30. Translated that means that not one of these tracks over-stays it's welcome. Available at a price of $5.00 (for the digital download at least which is linked below), "Invisible Ink" is a worthwhile pick up for punks and bangers alike!

*Otherwise known as Andrew Minor!

**While racking my head trying to figure out who Nick reminded me of in this band (as he really is a versatile front-man as observed in the different delivery he provides here verses Carriedbysix!) I stumbled across this review (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeouLbRXoOc) on YouTube. As I believe in giving due credit where credit is due (sorry, but I couldn't help myself with that little bit!) I want to thank "Master Exploder" (no doubt his Christian name right?) for pointing me in the direction of Wolfmother! Here in Purveyors Of Fiction vocalist/bassist Nick is (at times) almost the spitting mirror image (vocally) of Wolfmother founder/vocalist/guitarist Andrew Stockdale! It would have driven me crazy if not for this helpful hint so I tip my hat in appreciation and offer up a tall cold one to you, Mr. Master Exploder! Thanks!


http://purveyorsoffiction.bandcamp.com/

Interview with Stiletto Farm

Stiletto Farm. I love them and so should you. 

Especially seeing how much their full-length debut 

album, "January Sales", kicks major ass! I want 

to thank the guys for talking with us today and 

(if you haven't already) be sure to check out my 

review of the band's (very cool) full-length debut 

below!

Andy: For our readers who might not be all that 

familiar with your band would you please introduce 

yourselves. Whose who in Stiletto Farm?
 
Stel: I'm Stel, I'm the bassist and singer.
 
Davyd: I'm Davyd, I'm the guitarist.
 
Newt: I'm Newt, I'm the drummer.
 
All: And together we are STILETTO FARM!
 
Andy: Stiletto Farm is "the last wish of a dying 

friend". If it isn't too uncomfortable to talk about 

could you tell us the story behind that 
statement?
 
Stel: Sure, it doesn't make us feel uncomfortable 

at all. The fallen friend is a guy called Jason White. 

He was a mate Davyd and I used to hang around with. 

He came up with the idea for this band. We planned 
the whole thing out together quite meticulously, 

despite the fact that none of us could play anything. 

His death came without warning and scared the shit out of us. 

Obviously there was only one reasonable course of action 

after that ...Learn to play, take on the world, get 
revenge!
 
Davyd: Jay was one of those people who could entertain 

a room without even trying, a true rock star!! Of course 

the only logical thing for Stel and I to do was keep on 

rocking for him. And we play so loud that 
I'm sure he can hear us wherever he is!
 
Andy: Musically what influences Stiletto Farm as a band?
 
Stel: Anything and everything, even things we totally hate! 

Even a crap song can have a chord transition or something 

you like the sound of ...and then you can swipe it! Hooray!
 
Davyd: We all have a massive range of inspirations. 

If it can make you move then it'll influence us.
 
Stel: But mostly Cliff Richard!
 
Andy: And as individuals?
 
Stel: Anything delivered with conviction, I wanna 

hear something that makes me believe that they believe it. 

You can't go wrong with Motorhead (Andy-You got that right!) 

or early Manic Street Preachers. Also I've got a real soft 
spot for the old Kings of Rock 'n' Roll, Little Richard and 

Elvis Presley. You can't beat that stuff.
 
Davyd: Motorhead runs through mine and all of Stiletto 

Farm's veins, but give me some Backyard Babies or 

The Wildhearts with their killer riffs and vocal harmonies. 

On the flip side give me some ear bleeding shredding 

and brutal drumming from the likes of Black Label Society or 
Pantera, I love it all. Though I can't forget the band's 

who first inspired me to pick up a guitar like The Beatles, 

The Who, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters. Without these guys,where 

would rock be?!
 
Andy: Nowheresville! That's where! You are so right. Without

those early bands/artists (along with The Rolling Stones)

rock ass we know it just wouldn't be the same. 

Newt: I think for me personally stuff like Motley Crue, 

Skid Row.. etc... Old 80's rock/metal, its always been my favourite 

and helped me develop my drumming style to more of a personal one. 

But I'm also into my blues rock purely because of how sweet 

it all sounds! I'm pretty easy going, as long its none of that 

fake crap you hear on the radio!
 
Andy: I agree. Thankfully you can usually pick out the fake

crap from a million away! Otherwise (and again, this is one thing

that I really love about your band!) it sure as hell seems as

if all of our music collections have a similar flow. But anyway,

the 2012 single "Decimation Baby" was your first 

release correct? It must have seemed a bit surreal 

re-recording it for your full-length debut album. 

I mean you've come a long way!
 
Davyd: There was a little deja vu re-recording it, 

but from listening to the original and knowing it 

could be better it was a blessing in a way being able 

to do it justice this time and make it a real 
ballbreaker of a track.
 
Newt: I wasn't in the band when it was originally recorded, 

but I took a go at changing it up a bit, making it into 

something different so when we came to re-record it, it came 

back with the punch we wanted, and I bloody enjoyed doing so!
 
Stel: We reluctantly released the original in 2012. 

We weren't happy with how it turned out, but we 

needed something out there. It was a real boon to redo 

it bigger and better. The new version 
makes the old one sound weak as piss!
 
 
Andy: I'll agree to that. The updated take sounds beefier. 

There's more of an edge to it. You had the technology to 

rebuild it and you did. Kind of like the Six Million Dollar

Man! LOL! Back to the album though.

Besides the more obvious numbers what songs 
were written specifically for "January Sales"?
 
Stel: 'Dead To You' and 'Princess' were the songs 

we cobbled together just before going into the studio. 

We had a lot of ideas for extra guitar parts and 

keyboards and stuff for those songs, they were written 
to be played in the studio. The other songs were 

written with the live performance in mind, but we 

were always aware that they would have to 
fit on an album together at some point.
 
Andy: How has the reception been for the new 

tracks from fans?
 
Stel: Other than yourself and a select few others, 

nobody has heard anything yet. The album will be 

released early October. That said, we did release the 

song 'Adrenaline TV' as a little sneak peek and the 
reception to that has been overwhelmingly positive. 

I think people are surprised at how much better than 

our last single 'Bad Reception' it is.
 

Newt: My Mum likes it! 

Andy: Hey, as long as Mom is happy that's all that 

matters anyway! LOL!

Andy: So, tell me about "Princess". As I don't have 

the benefit of having a lyric sheet in front me could 

you break it down for us? It actually seems to be quite 

the departure from what (lyrically at least) lies at 
the heart of "January Sales"
 
Stel: 'Princess' is little uplifting number about 

how we live in a world that will allow someone as 

debauched as Nicki Minaj to show her face at the 

Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. If I was a young girl 

in today's world, I would feel very lost and betrayed. 

The idea of doing a ballad was a bit of a risk for us, 

but we figured if we filled it with as much hate as 

the rest of the album we could pull it off.
 
Davyd: You know it's all gone to shit when little 

kids are singing Rihanna songs about s&m

and twirking along to Miley "chicken legs" Cyrus. 

Let kids be kids!
 

Andy: You're so right guys. Today's kids have to grow 

up way to fast and more and more if seems as if 

everything-TV, movies, magazine and music is 

overtly sexual. Like Davyd said, let kids be kids!

Andy: Staying on the topic of subject matter we have 

"Covered Bruises". Could you touch on this number?
 
Stel: Drugs, anti-depressants, self abuse, megalomania, 

and dragging yourself out of hell! All the good stuff! Haha!
 

Andy: Toss in some sex (for adults only kiddos!) and 

that sure as hell sounds an awful lot like rock and roll!  

Andy: One of the key things that I took away from an 

album like "January Sales" was how there was so much 

variety, musically-speaking. Was there ever a discussion 

about making "January Sales" as varied as possible or 
did things simply evolve in that fashion? Given your 

many influences I'm leaning towards the latter.
 
Stel: Lyrically we had an agenda. None of the lyrics 

deal with fantasy, they are all grounded in the real world. 

They all deal with some kind of harsh truth. However, 

musically it was pure instinct. It's just the 
way it naturally came out.
 
Davyd: The album just seemed to evolve over the last year, 

I don't think we ever said let's make a Punk song, then a 

Metal song, then a ballad. We just played and what you hear 

is what happened.
 
Andy: As you are smack dab right in the middle of it what 

is your opinion on today's rock scene?
 
Stel: There's a whole shit-load of these 'Metal by numbers' 

bands, bands playing it safe, because they know it makes 

money. Most record companies don't want to gamble, 

so the bands that get the recognition are boring as all 

hell! Also a lot of Hard Rock bands seem to be embarrassed of 

themselves, bands like The Darkness and Steel Panther. 

I get the feeling those bands are poking fun at themselves 

because they feel they have to. We got laughed out of 

town when we started, because we do what we do and we're 

serious about it, we didn't feel the need to turn ourselves 

into a 'joke band'. We just gave everyone the finger 

and carried on regardless. Not many bands dare to be themselves 

for fear of being torn down, It's a shame.
 
Andy: I cannot stand The Darkness and Steel Panther 

for that exact reason. What's more it just kills me how 

magazines like Metal Hammer just kiss their asses like 

they are the greatest thing every! Give me a break!

Davyd: Most labels are just too scared of originality. If it 

sold records last year, let's flog that dead horse this year! 

The amazing, original music seems to get left by the wayside.
 
Newt: There's a lot of good bands out there 

investing a lot of their own time and money into 

making music their career, but it all seems to 
be getting pushed out of the way by this 

new "Hardcore" scene which personally I'm not a fan of.
 
Stel: Basically, what we are trying to say is 

everyone is a smelly cunt ...except us! Haha!

Andy: I couldn't agree more! Haha!So tell me guys, 

what's next for the world's greatest rock and roll 

band? World conquest?
 
Stel: As soon as the album's out we'll be heading 

to the south side of England (we're northerners you see) 

That will be our first stop. Then I guess it all depends 

where the album does best when it comes to our 
next destination. We are looking forward to escaping 

the country though, that's for sure, haha! World conquest? 

Why not?!
 

Andy: I imagine everyone reading this is asking the 

same question-Where can I find out more about Stiletto Farm?
 
Stel: www.stilettofarm.com, Twitter, Facebook, 

even Instagram now! We're total internet whores! 

Talk to us!
 

Andy: How about the new disc? Where should fans and 

newcomers alike head in order to purchase a copy 

of "January Sales"?
 
Stel: You will be able to download it digitally 

from iTunes, or if you want a hard copy, you 

will be able to order it from www.stilettofarm.com
 

Andy: Excellent! While we are in the same ballpark 

how about other Stiletto Farm's merchandise? Some 

of us want to represent your band here in the states! 
Will we see t-shirts soon?
 
Stel: Aye, we've got badges and t-shirts and 

what-not on our site too. Though last I heard 

we were running low on shirts, we're due another 
order any time now.
 
Davyd: We'll be getting all kinds of goodies in 

the future so keep your eyes peeled. I won't be 

happy until we've got action figures, 
skateboards, stealth bombers, etc!
 

Andy: Very cool. As an action figure collector I would 

proudly display your figures next to my Walking Dead, 

Star Wars, G.I. Joe and Universal Monsters ones!

Andy: Alright, you three get the last word. 

Seeing as your awesome and stuff! Anything we missed 

that you might want to cover? Any wrongs that should be 

made right? Favorite cocktail recipe that you'd like to 

share? You've got the mic guys so tell it like it is!
 
Stel: We'll just leave you with the wise words of 

Elvis Presley: 'Truth is like the sun. You can shut it 

out for a time, but it ain't going away'. 

Cheers, we'll see you soon.

Andy: I hope so!
 

http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2014/09/stiletto-farm-january-sales.html