Bardus – Stella Porta
When I think Philly, I don’t usually think noise rock, but French label Solar Flare Records, home to the likes of Sofy Major and…
Cult of Luna & Julie Christmas – Mariner
This collaborative effort between the Swedish Neurosis [Cult of Luna] and New York noise rocker Julie Christmas appears to be a concept album about…
Conan – Revengeance
Just caught this U.K. trio’s debut Toronto performance on the heels of Detroit’s Berserker Fest. Conan had been kicking around the British sludge scene…
Zun – Burial Sunrise
Every scene has its unsung heroes. When it comes to desert rock, for every John Garcia, Brant Bjork and Scott Reeder, there are guys…
Boris with Merzbow – Gensho
OK, so here’s the deal with the new Boris/Merzbow album. It’s actually two records, but you’re supposed to play them at the same time—which…
Dream Death – Dissemination
Dream Death’s 1987 debut Journey Into Mystery is one of the great lost metal classics of all time. On their debut album, this Pittsburgh…
Black Shape of Nexus – Carrier
This German sludge sextet returns with Carrier, their first full-length since 2012’s oppressive 80-minute effort Negative Black. This one’s considerably less lengthy, but equally…
Church of Misery – And Then There Were None
I’ve always been a big fan of Church of Misery. Their last record, Thy Kingdom Scum, was one of my 2013 favourites, and I’m…
La Chinga – Free Wheelin’
Super stoked for the sophomore slice from these Vancouver-based bashers, who put out their stellar self-titled debut back in 2013. These retro-rock revivalists are…
AMATEUR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY HOUR: BLACK SABBATH @ FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton, February 21, 2016
This was the first time I’ve ever paid for a concert VIP package, and quite likely the last time, too. Most of the bands…