MI 1 METALISSUE#5 JUL/AUG/SEP 2015UNDERGROUNDMore than just show listings!MICHIGAN HEAVY METALMICHIGAN NERD METALUPCOMING RELEASESWhy Is It Important To Discover New Music?The Science Of MusicThe Truth About Promoting Music Online For Independent Artists OVERSEAS SPOTLIGHT: ARKUUM | UMC SPOTLIGHT: BROKEN BY THE BURDEN
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4CONTENTS PG. 10PG. 33 PG. 7 PG. 5 PG. 13 Featured Interviews Durveda (Heavy Metal) // PG. 38 Oa’s Light (Nerd Metal) // PG. 40 Overseas Spotlight: Arkuum (Post-Atmospheric Black Metal) // PG. 44 UMC Spotlight: Broken By the Burden (Progressive Swampcore) // PG. 47 Upcoming Releases // PG. 49 Recently Released // PG. 51 Articles Why Is It Important To Discover New Music? By Reid Allen // PG. 52 The Science of Music by Vishal Raman // PG. 53The Truth About Promoting Music Online For Independent Artists By Francheska Craig // PG. 54 Attn. bands: Want to be featured in a future issue of MI Metal Underground? Email an EPK to [email protected].
5BATTLE CREEK LANSINGThe Music Factory The Loft191 Angell St. 414 E Michigan Ave.Note: For all ages shows 16 and under w/o parent out by For complete event listing click the following link:10pm. http://theloftlansing.com/For complete event listing click the following link: =======================================http://musicfactorybc.com/event-listing/ SAT. JUL 18, 2015 - 8:00 PM======================================= The Loft Presents:FRI. JUL 24, 2015 - 6:00 PM GRIND: Alice in Chains TributeNovena Vendetta + 19TilDawn + Hanover + Immortal 18+ | $10 ADV / $12 DOSInsight and more =======================================All Ages | $10 ADV $15 DOS Mac’s Bar======================================= 2700 E Michigan Ave. For complete event listing click the following link: http://www.macsbar.com/ ======================================= SUN. JUL 26, 2015 - 8:00 PM Locusta + Faithxtractor + Inebriated + Dead Hour Noise All Ages | $7 ADV / $10 DOS ======================================= FRI. JUL 31, 2015 - 9:00 PM Wulfhook + Sauron + Past Tense + Blackgate All Ages | $7 ======================================= THU. SEP 17, 2015 - 6:00 PM Erra + Polyphia + Invent, Animate + The Afterimage + Ground Tracer + Meridians All Ages | $12 ADV / $14 DOS =======================================
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7BIRCH RUN (The Machine Shop cont.) =======================================Birch Run Expo Center SAT. JUL 18, 2015 - 7:00 PM11600 N. Beyer Rd Nonpoint + Vicariant + TBA======================================= 18+ | $15 ADVFRI. AUG 07 - SAT. AUG 08, 2015 - 12:00 PM =======================================DIRT FEST 2015 FRI. JUL 24, 2015 - 7:00 PMFor more info click the following link: 711 Entertainment Presents:http://www.dirtfest.com/2015/ Givensix + Bro-Bot + Mercy Beach + The Distorted======================================= Waltz 18+ | $5 ADV / $8DOSFLINT =======================================The Machine Shop PORT HURON3539 S Dort Hwy======================================= 6605 Griswold Rd.FRI. JUL 10, 2015 - 7:00 PM =======================================Powerman 5000 wsg Soil + 3 Years Hollow FRI. AUG 28 - SAT. AUG 29, 2015 - 12:00 PM18+ | $18 ADV DM3 FEST 2015======================================= Black Kraken + A Sleepless Malice + After The Minor +WED. JUL 15, 2015 - 7:00 PM Reptilian Brain + Severning The Need + M.O.G. + Ex-Superjoint Ritual w/ King Parrot + Child Bite tinction Level Event + Mobile Deathcamp + Motograter18+ | $25 ADV and many more.======================================= For more info click the following link:FRI. JUL 17, 2015 - 7:00 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/1660277787525800/Music Over Matter Tour 2015The Paramedic + It Lies Within + The Bad Chapter18+ | $10 ADV | Tickets=======================================
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10HUBBARD LAKE TRAVERSE CITYHubbard Lake Lions Park Ground Zero14584 Hubbard Lake Rd. 1669 S. Garfield Ave.======================================= =======================================SAT. AUG 29, 2015 - 2:00 PM TUE. JUL 14, 2015 - 7:00 PMNorthern Michigan Metal Alliance Presents: HellyeahMetal Revolution 4 w/ Tension Head + Dead In 5Assault the Silence + From Blue To Gray + Heartsick + 18 + | $20 ADVExploding Zombies + Cell Block Earth + Expand Your =======================================Horizons + Archimime + Makeshift Tragedy FRI. JUL 17, 2015 - 7:00 PM$10 Admission Powerman 5000======================================= w/ Soil + 3 Years Hollow 18 + | $15 ADV ======================================= SAT. JUL 18, 2015 - 7:00 PM Nothing More w/ Underground Fight Club + Coldville 18 + | $15 ADV =======================================
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13ALLEN PARK CHESTERFIELDSimon’s After Dark Diesel Concert Lounge4936 Allen Rd. 33151 23 Mile Rd======================================= =======================================SAT. JUL 11, 2015 - 7:00 PM SAT. JUL 11, 2015 - 7:00 PMThe Effect Radio Show and Simons After Dark Presents: Reign’s CD Release ShowDeveraux + As Darkness Falls + Eva Under Fire + New w/ Imminent Sonic Destruction + Mare Crisium + A.S.S.Day Revolution + Outer Drive 18+ | $8 ADV / $10 DOS18+ | $5 ==============================================================================SAT. JUL 25, 2015 - 7:00 PM CLARKSTONThe Effect Radio Show and Simons After Dark Presents:6 Prong Paw + Society Hostile + M102 + Full Strike DTE Energy Music TheatreFrenzy + Holy Mess 7774 Sashabaw Rd.18+ | $5 ============================================================================== SAT. JUL 11, 2015 - 1:00 PM Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem FestivalAUBURN HILLS For more info click the following link: http://rockstarmayhemfest.com/Palace of Auburn Hills =======================================6 Championship Dr. TUE. JUL 28, 2015 - 6:00 PM======================================= Slipknot: Summer’s Last Stand TourFRI. JUL 24, 2015 - 11:00 AM w/ Lamb of God + Bullet For My Valentine + MotionlessVans Warped Tour 2015 In White======================================= For tickets click hereSUN. AUG 09, 2015 - 7:00 PM =======================================Motley Crue w/ Alice Cooper WED. AUG 05, 2015 - 7:00 PM======================================= The End Times Tour Marilyn Manson + The Smashing Pumpkins For tickets click here =======================================
14(DTE Energy Music Theatre cont.) The Majestic Theatre======================================= 4120-4140 Woodward Ave.FRI. SEP 04, 2015 - 6:00 PM =======================================Van Halen wsg Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band FRI. OCT 02, 2015 - 7:30 PMFor more info and tickets click the following link: Ghosthttp://www.palacenet.com/events/detail/van-halen- All Ages | $27.60 ADV / 32.60 DOSdte-090415 ============================================================================== Saint Andrews Hall 431 E Congress St.clinton twp ======================================= WED. AUG 05, 2015 - 7:00 PMThe Detroit Pub Neurosis + The Body + Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth33401 Harper Ave. All Ages | $25 ADV / $30 DOS======================================= =======================================THU. JUL 23, 2015 - 7:00 PM The ShelterTransparency Tour Phase 2 431 E Congress St.Straight Line Stitch + Thira + Leaving Eden ============================================================================== FRI. AUG 14, 2015 - 6:00 PMSAT. SEP 19, 2015 - 8:00 PM Northlane + Like Moths To Flame + In Hearts Wake +A.R.I. Promotions Present: The End Of Summer Rage Oceans Ate AlaskaBeneath It All + In His Image + As Darkness Falls + All Ages | $19Dragsaw + Beyond N Back18+ | $10 (Under 21) / $8 (21+) Tangent Gallery======================================= 715 East Milwaukee =======================================dETROIT SAT. SEP 12, 2015 - TBA Don’t Call It A Fest 2015The Fillmore Eyehategod + See You Next Tuesday + The Banner2115 Woodward Ave More TBA======================================= More info click the following link:SAT. SEP 12, 2015 - 7:00 PM http://www.dontcallitafest.com/Motorhead + Anthrax + Crobot =======================================For more info and tickets click the following link:http://concerts.livenation.com/ FERNDALEevent/08004ED3EF735D8D======================================= The Loving TouchThe Majestic Cafe 22634 Woodward Ave.4140 Woodward Ave. ============================================================================== WED. AUG 12, 2015 - 7:00 PMTUE. AUG 04, 2015 - 8:00 PM High On Fire + Pallbearer + Lucifer + Venomous Maxi-Black Iris Booking Presents: musSumac with Hordes All Ages | $20All Ages | $10 ==============================================================================FRI. AUG 28, 2015 - 8:00 PMThe Kenmore Agency Presents:The Life & Death Tour 2015Terror + Bane + Turnstile + Backtrack + Forced Order +Heavy ChainsAll Ages | $23=======================================
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HAMTRAMCK 16 TAYLORSmall’s Dirty Spyders10339 Conant St 12900 Beech Daly Rd.======================================= =======================================FRI. JUL 31, 2015 - 8:00 PM FRI. JUL 17, 2015 - 5:00 PMAgainst The Grain (LP/CD Release Show) Diddybop Entertainment Presents: 3rd Annual Diddywsg Skeemin No Goods + Child Bite and more Fest Night 1 with Green Jelly + Shit Life + Crumble +All Ages | $8 S.U.B. + Deleted By God + Suburban Bloodshed======================================= and more $10 ADV $15 DOSPONTIAC ======================================= SAT. JUL 18, 2015 - 5:00 PMThe Crofoot Ballroom Diddybop Entertainment Presents: 3rd Annual Diddy1 S Saginaw Fest Night 2 with Exploding Zombies + All Ends Black======================================= + Archimime + Titans In Time + Betray the Prophet +THU. AUG 13. 2015 - 5:00 PM Reptilian Brain + Assault the Silence and moreThe Common Vision Tour with EVERY TIME I DIE $10 ADV $15 DOSwith REAL FRIENDS, COUNTERPARTS, GNAR- =======================================WOLVES, BRIGADES, and GATHERERS$21 ADV / $25 DOS | Event Link WARREN=======================================THU. SEP 24, 2015 - 7:00 PM The RitzGodflesh + Prurient 23400 Hoover Rd.$25 ADV / $30 DOS ============================================================================== THU. JUL 16, 2015 - 6:00 PMMON. OCT 19, 2015 - 6:00 PM Music Over Matter Tour 2015Soulfly + Soilwork + Decapitated + Shattered Sun The Paramedic + It Lies Within + The Bad ChapterEvent Link w/ At The Hands Of Victims and more======================================= 18+ | $10 ADVFRI. NOV 06, 2015 - 7:00 PM =======================================Blind Guardian + Grave Digger SAT. AUG 01, 2015 - 7:00 PM======================================= Drozone Entertainment Presents: Crown For The Underground 2 QualifierROYAL OAK 18+ | $10 ADV / $12 DOS For more info click hereModern Skate Park - 1500 North Stephenson Hwy. ============================================================================== SAT. SEP 05, 2015 - 7:00 PMSAT. JUL 18, 2015 - 6:00 PM Drozone Entertainment Presents:Earth Crisis w/ Ricochet + Homewrecker + Ante Up + Crown For The Underground 2 Qualifier 2Hellmouth + The Worst Of 18+ | $10 ADV / $12 DOS$15 For more info click here======================================= ======================================= SAT. SEP 26, 2015 - 7:00 PM Ron’s Birthday Bash: Doppelganger Circus Sideshow + Wulfhook + A.S.S. + Die-Sect + Death Pit 21+ ($5) / 18 - 20 ($10) ======================================= SAT. OCT 03, 2015 - 7:00 PM Drozone Entertainment Presents: Crown For The Underground Finals 18+ | $10 ADV / $12 DOS
17(The Ritz cont.) YPSILANTIFor more info click here======================================= Crossroads Bar & GrillMON. OCT 05, 2015 - 6:00 PM 517 W Cross St.Devastation on the Nation Tour =======================================Krisiun + Origin + Aeon + Soreption + Alterbeast + FRI. AUG 07, 2015 - 9:00 PMIngested + Carnis Immortalis + For These Reasons, I All The Wild Children + Wizard Union + TrollhammerBelieve + WormholeAll Ages | $16 ADV $20 DOS $5 Cover======================================= ======================================= Maidstone TheatreWESTLAND 1425 Ecorse =======================================Token Lounge SAT. JUL 18, 2015 - 8:00 PM28949 Joy Rd. A.R.I. Promotions Presents: Metal Reborn======================================= Sunless Sky + Speedgod + The Vow Of Sallekhana + Be-SAT. AUG 01, 2015 - 6:00 PM yond N Back + DurvedaNational Rock Review and Hard Edge Radio Presents: (21+) $10 (18-20) $12Wulfhook Album Release Party =======================================wsg Hate Unbound + Manic Outburst + GutRot + Bac- SAT. JUL 25, 2015 - 8:00 PMchus Symposium Ded By Dezine + Torn Into + Reign======================================= All Ages | $6FRI. AUG 21, 2015 - 8:00 PM =======================================Battlecross ‘Rise To Power’ CD Release Party SAT. AUG 01, 2015 - 8:00 PMw/ Crimson Shadow’s + Yesterday’s Saints Fade To Black + Dying For A Living + Eva Under Fire +======================================= Bedore BrothersFRI. AUG 28, 2015 - 8:00 PM All Ages | $6Evergrey =======================================wsg Voyager + Borealis + Oceans of Slumber SAT. AUG 22, 2015 - 8:00 PM18+ | $20 ADV $24 DOS Wild Welch Presents: Grave Robber + Come Out Fight-======================================= ing + Arson Party + The Jonestown CrowesWED. SEP 16, 2015 - 7:00 PM All Ages | $6Saxon + Armored Saint =======================================18+ | $30 ADV SAT. AUG 29, 2015 - 8:00 PM======================================= A Sleepless Malice + Past Tense + Silent Aggression +FRI. OCT 02, 2015 - 8:00 PM Torn IntoDirty Rotten Imbeciles All Ages | $618+ ============================================================================== SAT. SEP 05, 2015 - 8:00 PMFRI. OCT 16, 2015 - 7:00 PM Wild Welch’s Explosive Fest!Fates Warning + Reign + Imminent Sonic Destruction Desiring Dead Flesh + Dangerous Pleasure + Die-Sect +18+ | $20 ADV $25 DOS | Event Link Exploding Zombies + One Steel Wound======================================= All Ages | $8SAT. NOV 21, 2015 - 7:00 PM =======================================Prong SAT. OCT 24, 2015 - 8:00 PM18+ | $20 Beneath It All + Society Hostile + Severing The Need +======================================= Audio Violence All Ages | $6 =======================================
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33GRAND RAPIDS Mulligan’s Pub: Otherside 1518 Wealthy St. SEThe Intersection =======================================133 Grandville Ave. SW THU. JUL 16, 2015 - 9:00 PM======================================= Mulligan’s Metal MassacreSAT. AUG 01, 2015 - 6:30 PM Blackgate + Death Pit + Pick Axe Preacher + Dawn Pa-Between The Buried And Me trolwsg Animals As Leaders + The Contorionist 21+ | FREE SHOWAll Ages | $17 ADV $20 DOS ============================================================================== The Pyramid SchemeWED. AUG 12, 2015 - 5:00 PM 68 Commerce Ave SWThe Common Vision Tour 2015 =======================================Every Time I Die + Real Friends + Counterparts + Gnar- MON. JUL 13, 2015 - 7:00 PMwolves + Brigades + Gatherers THY ART IS MURDER + Essentia + SicXten + AssumeAll Ages | $20 ADV/ $23 DOS Nothing======================================= All Ages | $14 ADV / $16 DOSSAT. SEP 23, 2015 - 7:00 PM =======================================Symphony X + Overkill [Tickets on sale 4/15 @ 10AM]All Ages | $25 ADV $28 DOS=======================================FRI. NOV 20, 2015 - 7:00 PMAn Evening With Machine HeadAll Ages | $20 ADV / $25 DOS
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38MICHIGAN HEAVY METALBand Name: Durveda MMU: What is the meaning of the band name and howYear Formed: 2013 do you come up with it?Hometown: Ionia, MI D: “Durveda” is an ancient Sanskrit term referring to evilCurrent Line-up: knowledge. In the sense that a choice of ignorance to rel-Logan Bush (Vocals) evant matters is an evil and dangerous form of avoidanceMichael Pattison (Rhythm Guitar) to truth.Ryan Holland (Lead Guitar) MMU: How would you describe your music to anyoneAdam Sutberry (Bass, Vocals) that has never seen you live or heard your music online?Tim Patrick (Drums)Tour Dates: D: ‘Fucking Metal’ (with British Accent). Seriously7/18 - Ypsilanti, MI - Maidstone Theatre though, not sure it’s that easy to label us, or maybe itWebsites: would be for someone else listening, but we tend to drawFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/Durveda?- from a little bit of everything from each of our back-fref=ts grounds. There’s a little bit of Thrash, Death, and Hard-Reverbnation - https://www.reverbnation.com/ core/Metalcore in the mix. Probably best letting otherdurveda people label it. To us is just metal. MMU: Which bands have influenced the sound of the band?MMU: How long has Durveda been together and how D: Another tough question. Where do we begin. We alldid the band get started? have some of the same influences, yet different ones also.Durveda: Mike and Tim were former band mates in the As far as the band’s sound goes, we draw from a huge90’s, the metal band “Catatonic.” They reunited with the well. Everything from old Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth,mutual interest in forming a new band. Since then the Death, Gojira, Cannibal Corpse, Carcass, Sylosis, Can-complete band has been together almost two years. dlemass, Hatebreed, etc, etc. the list could go on and on.
39 . (Amplifier) Line 6 HD-100 bogner tube head & the cab is a Mesa Boogie 4x12 with vintage 30’s for speakers. Lo- gan is using steel vocal chords and iron lungs! MMU: What was the first metal song you heard that got you into metal? D: Tim - “First album was probably Judas Priest, Scream- ing for Vengeance.” Adam - “I was 12 years old and the album was Metallica’s Black album... my metal awakening.”MMU: What MI venue has been your favorite to per- MMU: What was the first concert you ever attended andform at and why? What about least favorite? did it you influence your decision to be in a band?D: Can’t say, as we really haven’t had a favorite or least D: Tim - My first real concert was The Clash of Titansfavorite venue to play. Though the venues giving us free Tour and hell yeah it influenced me. Haha. More likebeer are definitely right there at the top of the list! These solidified my decision to join a band. I had already haddays, any venue that is doing metal shows is a good ven- dreams of being in a band, which started with seeingue. Props to any and all venues that are keeping the metal Kiss videos and hearing the crowd on the Alive album,scene going! Our hats off to them all! but seeing Alice In Chains (who opened the show at that time) Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer live, pushed meMMU: Any favorite local metal bands you think more right over the edge. At that point it wasn’t a question, Ipeople should know about? had to do it.D: Man! Another tough one to answer in short. Haha! MMU: I noticed that your lead guitarist Ryan will beThere are so many good bands out there right now and parting ways after your show at the Maidstone Theatrethey all deserve to be known and heard. As far as Local in Ypsilanti, July 18th. Have you found anyone to replaceLansing Area bands that we’ve either shared the stage him yet? If not who should someone contact if they arewith or have seen at a show; there’s Past Tense, All Ends interested?Black, Speedgod, Reign In Bedlam, Heartsick, Inebriated,and Genocya to name but a few. Then there are Detroit D: Unfortunately yes, Ryan will be leaving and we haven’tarea bands like Dragsaw, In His Image, Hate Unbound, found anyone yet. Obviously, we wish Ryan could stayM-102, Forsake the Fallen, Aventity, At Deaths Behest, on, but we understand his reasons and can appreciate it.Manic Outburst, and Mare Crisium out of Ypsilanti. Just If anyone out there would like to give it a shot, they cansaw Pick Axe Preacher and After The Minor recently, message us through our page on Facebook to set up anand they are both sick bands also. I know we’re missing audition.someone, man. Like we said earlier, so much good metalbeing brought right here in Michigan it’s unreal. As fans, MMU: I’ve got one last question. I know guitar playersit’s awesome! can be easier to replace than drummers but what do you think would be the future of Durveda if you are unableMMU: What gear does the band currently use? to find a suitable replacement for Ryan? Will you contin- ue on with one guitarist if it comes to that?D: As far as gear goes, Tim is playing Ayotte drums,Zildjian and Wuhan cymbals, Pearl Demon Drive pedals, D: We are confident that we will find a suitable replace-and Regal Tip sticks. ment but if it came down to that we would continue noAdam is playing through a full stack Peavy 15 and Line matter what obstacles are thrown our way.Six quad 4 cabinets with a 450w Peavy head. Bringingthe low notes with a David Ellefson sig series Jackson.Mike is playing (guitars) ESP JH-600 , Ibanez Iron Label, Cleartone guitar strings. & I use V-Picks for guitar picks
40MICHIGAN NERD METALOa’s Light was formed when one nerd asked another MMU: Where does the band name originate from and isnerd to start a band all about nerd things. That would there any meaning behind it?have been the bassist (Scott) and the guitarist (Mike). Oa’s Light: Our name came from the comic book “GreenThey came up with a few riff ideas for how the band was Lantern”. In the comics, the Lantern Corps often ref-going to sound. After a few weeks the task of finding erence “light” and their home base is named Oa. Ourmembers came. Having both worked with Kate in the bassist, Scott, put the two together coming up with Oa’sprevious band they were in, Scott and Mike knew Kate Light. When pitched to the group, everyone loved it, andwas the person for the 2nd guitar spot.....plus she is an it stuck.I.T. guru....what’s nerdier then that?! They had a buddy MMU: How long has the band been together and howwho played drums named Jay who came in. The last task did the band form?of finding a singer was going to be much more difficult. OL: The band has been together just over 2 years now.We knew what we wanted but didn’t know where to go. We formed from the demise of a previous band thatMike had been jamming with a former band mate and (guitarists) Mike and Kate, and Scott were in together.Chris just before Oa was formed and knew that Chris The ending of their previous band left them all down andwas looking for a project. We had him come out and ready to move on from music when Scott asked Mike towe wrote “245 Trioxin” and we knew he was that spe-cial someone we needed in our lives…….on the mic!We recorded our EP and fooled around with samplingand synth work and found the complete sound we werelooking for, only problem was, we needed someone to beable to do those parts live. Jessica, being Kate’s.......”roommate” was always at practices and knew the songs insideout, took up the spot! Fast forward a few more monthsand we parted ways with Jay due to creative differences.Chris, Mike and Scott all knew of Jimmy who was al-ready known as a great drummer in the area, plus Mikeand Chris had worked with him in former bands. Weweren’t too sure if he was going to be interested but hesaid yes without hesitating. He fit perfectly and we havecorrupted the poor man and made him very nerdy! Herewe are now, just a local nerd metal band trying to get alittle recognition as mega dorks and make some badassmetal in the process…….hopefully we are succeeding!!!
41start a new project together. Their friend, Jay (previous titles?drummer), had a jam space and drums. After the first OL: Each song of ours is about a video game, horror“jam” session, we knew that we needed another guitar. movie, or comic book concept. • “Knightfall” comesThat’s when we asked Kate to join. Chris, who is a mu- from the comic story line in Batman, where it’s toldtual friend of everyone’s, approached us and asked if we through the eyes of Bane. The last “Dark Knight” mov-needed a vocalist. After we heard his sound and how ie was a very liberal adaptation of this comic. • “Cyberpowerful his voice is, we knew he was our guy. Things Peacock” is about Mega Man x4. Kate referenced Megadidn’t work out with Jay, but timing was everything. We Man at one of our practices and when Chris heard thecame to Jimmy (current drummer) and asked him if he reference, he took it and ran with it. • “Esper” came fromwanted to jam with us and he was all in. Jessica volun- Final Fantasy VI. The song is about the monsters thatteered to be the sampling person and it’s been history were used as slaves and batteries. • “Belmont” is aboutfrom there. the Belmont family from Castlevania. • “245 Trioxin”MMU: Have any of the members been in previous bands is our oddball. We had just written the song and didn’tor are in side projects? know what to call it. Jay had gone on one of his randomOL: All of us have been in previous bands, too many tangents, as he always did, and mentioned how he hadto name, with each other at some point over the last 10 just watched “Return of the Living Dead”. He came upyears. The band genres ranged from rock to metal. Jim- with the idea to name the song after the chemical usedmy is currently in a deathcore band named “31 Legions”, which then triggered “zombies” to Chris. This is the songScott is in the making of a side project, and Mike has that got us into the concept songs. We took it and ranbeen talking about another side project of his own. with it.MMU: What bands have influenced the sound/style ofthe band?OL: We pull influence from MANY different bandsand sounds. We all listen to everything. As far as our“style” goes, we’re all really into “As I Lay Dying” and“Killswitch Engage”. We wanted something that usessome good groovy hooks, as they do. The synth cameinto play when we went into the studio. The end resultis something that sounds like it’s influenced by “Windsof Plague”, though we like the band, that wasn’t reallyplanned.MMU: The band has categorized itself as ‘nerd metal’,why is that?OL: The face of metal is “we’re hard and tough”. That isn’t ‘Lighthouse of Odym’us. We’re a bunch of nerds… we know it and we love it. Release Date: April 1st, 2015We came together to write awesome music with awe- Track listing:some friends. All of our ideas come from, and are about, 1. Knightfall 03:28a character or title that’s referenced throughout the song. 2. Cyber Peacock 03:23We didn’t want to be labeled as “metalcore” or “death- 3. Belmont 03:57core” or whatever lame subgenre comes out next. We 4. Esper 04:13are proud nerds, who love metal, therefore, we are “nerd 5. 245 Trioxin 04:14metal”, which itself is a lame subgenre name.MMU: Back in April the band released a 5-song EP http://oaslight.bandcamp.com/album/lighthouse-‘Lighthouse Of Odym’ with song titles such as ‘Knight- of-odymfall’, ‘Cyber Peacock’, ‘Belmont’, ‘Esper’ and ‘245 Trioxin’.My question is, is there a story behind each of the song
42 Band Name: Oa’s Light They Sleep”, “Variables”, and “Speedgod”. And then we Year Formed: 2013 have Chris. Directly from his mouth, “I’m too much of Hometown: Ionia, MI an esoteric troglodyte to know what’s going on musically Current Line-up: around me, I like gaming”. Chris (Vocals) MMU: Who are your favorite comic book or video game Mike (Guitar) characters and why? Kate (Guitar) OL: Mike’s favorite characters are Hal Jordan, as Parallax Scott (Bass) (a Green Lantern villain) and Link from Legend of Zel- Jimmy (Drums) da. Scott likes Kyle from Green Lantern and any Elder Jess (The Dropper) Scrolls game. Chris said it’s a tie between Sinestro and Tour Dates: Nightwing because with his experience working with 8/8 - Jackson, MI - Pine Hollow Golf Club haunted houses, he learned to love the idea of what fear Websites: does to the human body. Sinestro reigns king of fear so Bandcamp - https://oaslight.bandcamp.com/releases Chris is his loyal lap dog. Nightwing is simple, he’s a bad Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/oaslight ass. His favorite video game characters were easy forMMU: Any plans on recording a full length in the fu- him. Master Chief (117 all day kids) because most of histure? favorite icons die terribly, he refuses to. He likes JohnOL: We are still currently writing new material. We have and Rikimaru from the Tenchu series, he’s Chris’ iconic5 more songs done and once we have enough material, sensei. Jimmy likes Kratos. He’s just a badass that can’t bewe are ready to head back into the studio and finish our touched by mortal nor God. Kate loves Deadpool be-first entire album. cause he cheats the one thing that eventually gets us all,MMU:. Do you have any favorite local bands that you death.think more people should know about? MMU: Where do you hope to see the band 5 years fromOL: We’re a huge fan of local bands. We love to meet now?and play with new bands from our Detroit area. Some of OL: We would love to see ourselves on a cool local tour,our favorite local bands include “He the Deceiver”, “As with a bunch of metal nerds, sporting Lantern Corps rings, headbanging it out with our fans. Getting signed would be nice but fans and friends are way cooler any- way.
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44OVERSEAS SPOTLIGHT Arkuum - melancholy, perishability, sorrow nate the hearer. The style unites a great diver- Biography: sity of influences, such like Blackgaze, Black The solo project Arkuum was founded on 2013 Metal, Post Metal and Ambient and knows no by David “Arkas” Theobald. Arkuum orientates frontiers. The emotional deepness of the instru- itself to Post-/ Atmospheric Black Metal, thus it mental accompaniment provides a catchy way combines a lot of different stylistic influences. of expression, supported by understandable But it’s mainly about music as an art without screams and a few clean passages. frontiers, which makes the genre-label simply a representation on the surface. The musical arrangement does not predefine itself, it rather tries to break limits to impart Arkuum it’s very own sound. The first album “trostlos” will be independently in August 2015. The digipak is limited to 150 only. All instruments and lyrics are composed, recorded and written by David. The search for a suitable vocalist however oc- curred a bit difficult. But after a lot of tries with many different singers the right one finally was found - someone who suites the project hu- Arkumm - ‘Trostlos’ manly and also vocally very well. Denny, vo- Release Date: August 2015 calist of the band “Zeugen der Leere”, provides the album “trostlos” the final touch with his Tracklist: screams, concise singing and a few cleanpas- 1. Prolog sages. After the recording process of the vocals 2. Sorrow (Trübsinn) passed off very fluently the atmosphere for a 3. Distant Worlds (Ferne Welten) future collaboration for the next Arkuum al- 4. Interludum bums was set. 5. Abyss of Solitude (Abgrund der Einsamkeit) 6. Daybreak (Morgengrau) Musical style: 7. Epilog Using three different guitars Arkuum creates a deep atmosphere and a unique sound pattern. The distinctive sound of a massive guitar riff causes a depressing sentiment and tries to fasci-
45Interview with David “Arkas” Theobald of ArkuumMMU: You mentioned that Arkuum is a soloproject, did you record all the instruments yourself?David “Arkas” Theobald: Yes, I recorded all the instruments by myself, but that was not how we originally planned itat the beginning of the recording season.MMU: What was the recording process like?DT: My friend Felix has his own studio and has good knowledge in sound engineering. We haven’t been under timepressure so we simply took our time. Max, another good friend of mine agreed to play the rhythm guitar. During therecording process many problems occurred. The studio was under reconstruction and after a big mistake, all record-ed tracks were lost. Unfortunately Max had not enough time to record all songs afresh, so i began recording everysong over again by myself.MMU: What bands have influenced the sound of Arkuum?DT: I think our musical subconscious is influenced by many other bands and their musical style, which makes itdifferent to name certain bands. I guess somehow we even don’t know ourselves.MMU: Is ‘Trostlos’ going to be released independently?DT: I got some requests from small underground labels, but all the conditions were really bad and I do not wantto sell my creativity for such a bad offer. For this reason I decided to release my first album, in which I put a lot ofwork, independently. Furthermore it is a great feeling to create everything on your own. I like the DIY movementvery much and I think this trend opens up many new possibilities, especially for underground bands with smallbudget. Last year, Gene Simmons of the band Kiss said that rock and metal is finally dead, because of this trend. Ientirely disagree with this statement.MMU: What is the overall theme of the ‘Trostlos’ about?DT: When I was still playing in a band, I could not contribute all my own ideas. I always thought that was a greatpity. So I started composing my own songs, but I did not think about founding my own band at this time. Thereforethe songs and lyrics I have already finished, were not related to each other. As I left the band, I already had muchstuff and decided to go my own way. That is why “Trostlos” does not have a well-planned concept. I simply want toexpress my feelings and emotions. Generally it is about sorrow, melancholy, perishability & nature.MMU: Is there any meaning behind the name Arkuum and is there a translation for it?DT: I am sorry to disappoint you, the name Arkuum has no special meaning and is entirely fictitious. But I think itsounds good and fits very well to the music genre.MMU: On your website you list Denny from Zeugen der Leere as guest vocals, what song/s does Denny sing on?DT: Kommentiert [1]:Denny is the vocalist of the band called “Zeugen der Leere”. I’m really not good at singing , which caused me tospend a long time searching for a vocalist. There have been several experiments with other singers, but no one hasmatched with my sound imagination. I like the sound of “Zeugen der Leere”. In my opinion their vocals are reallyexcellent and would perfectly complement this project, so I tried to get in contact with them. They like the sound ofArkuum too and Denny spent his vocals for the whole album.
46MMU: Do you have any favourite bands from Germany that you think more people should know about?DT: There are a lot of German Post- / Atmospheric Black Metal Bands, too many excellent bands to enumerate themall. I think especially in Europe this genre is very popular in the underground scene. But to deal with the question,one of my current favorite bands is “Heretoir”. They really have a fantastic live performance, which raise up manyemotions.MMU: What do you listen to when you don’t listen to metal?DT: I almost always listen to metal and very rarely to other music. I only can properly relax, if I listen to metal,otherwise I do not feel very well. But I also like orchestras. Orchestra music is able to express a lot of emotions likeatmospheric black metal or something like that. That is why I frequently listen to philharmonic orchestras or filmmusic at home.MMU: Are there any other bands you are associated with?DT: I have played in some bands earlier, but my taste in music has changed and I wanted to make music without anycompromises. Arkuum is my little world, in which only I can make my own decisions.Thanks for your time.Thanks for supporting Arkuum. Arkuum - ‘Trubsinn’
47Interview with Jody Lanier of Broken By The BurdenMMU: When did the band form and how was the name The band name actually came from the r & b artist Sade’chosen? she has a song called tattoo and one line in the song was Broken by the burden of his youth, we really liked it andJody: Some of us used to be in a band called Deadman it topped the other names we had come up with.Circus (1994-2005 before Facebook. You can find it onmy space or a few songs on our soundcloud page. A few MMU: What bands have influenced the sound of theof us started getting together again in 2007. Jody, Dave, band?Brandon. We started writing songs and looking fordrummers and bass players. Found a drummer (Darrell J: Crowbar, Soilent Green, Living Sacrifice, Zao, Baron-Roberts and was just about show ready when I broke my ess, Rwake. We like to mix it up and I’m not sure whereleg wakeskating. Shortly after Brandon broke his leg do- exactly we fit in. Our Friend (Jeremiah Scott -Demoning the same thing lol. We ended up taking this time to Hunter, The Showdown) who produced our newest Al-do a demo and started playing shows as soon as we could bum “Running of the Fools “ compared us to In Flamesboth walk in early 2008. and Mastadon. I like to call our sound Progressive
48swampcore. Music Hall -Nola.MMU: What is the lyrical content in your songs usually MMU: For bands looking to set-up shows in Louisiana,about? are there any venues that should be avoided?J: Most of our songs are about learning lessons the hard J: Fatty Arbuckles -Shreveport. The kind of venue thatway, overcoming, and moving forward. you show up to and they don’t have a PA that works andMMU: What is the writing process like for BBTB? no organization whatsoever.J: We just write riffs and everyone does their parts.We MMU: If you could choose either band to tour the Statestend to change things alot until everyone is satisfied with with who would you choose, Crowbar or Superjoint Rit-every part. With the line up we have now the writing has ual?been going smoothly. Plenty of riffs to work with. Here J: We would go with Crowbar in a heartbeat.lately we will click out the whole song and then drum- MMU: Of the bands associated with the UMC, which aremer figures out what he wants to do. Brandon doesn’t get your favorites?a copy to write lyrics to until all music in song is final- J: Loyal Until Death, A Sad Bada, Ashes Of Eden, Relent-ized. less Torture, Arke and Widows.MMU: In your opinion what is the most underrated or MMU: Last question. Any plans on recording new mate-underexposed band out there today? rial?J: Brokenbytheburden haha! Any band that doesn’t live J: We are currently writing now. We have 4 songsin a big city. So many that get overlooked. mapped out, one with vocals as of now. We are going toMMU: Any favorite local bands from Louisiana that you write 2 more new ones and revamp a few of the olderfind yourselves performing a lot of shows with? songs that never got a good recording. We are checkingJ: Choke,White light Cemetery, Pacifist, Dry Socket, into the new machine shop in Austin but we really en-Leopard Sound Barrier, Omnisonic Theory, Passing A joyed working with producer Jeremiah scott in Nash-Starfighter, Relentless Torture, Entrenched Defilement, ville, Tennessee. (Jeremiahscottproductions.com).WeDecorated With Bullets, Large Marge, Yakk, Bentley, would be glad to go back to Nashville. Best recordingForming the Void, to many to list.. experience we’ve ever had and I think that because we’veMMU: What was it like the first time BBTB took the worked together already, we know the routine and wouldstage? do much better 2nd time around.J: Rad!MMU: Have you ever experienced a show where thebooking agent/promoter just completely failed at his/herjob?J: A few times..Don’t want to bad mouth. You just have tofigure out who is better for you to deal with.MMU: What and where is your favorite venue to per- Broken By The Burdenform at and why? ‘Running of the Fools’J: Luna live -Lake Charles, Louisiana. This Place pays, Release Date: December 31, 2014feeds you and gives you beer. We also love The District - Websites: Facebook | ReverbnationLafayette, Riverside Warehouse -Shreveport, Southport
49UPCOMING RELEASES From some of Michigan’s best metal bands. Battlecross - ‘Rise To Power Genre: Crossover Thrash Release Date: August 21, 2015 Label: Metal Blade Records Produced by: Jason Suecof Mixed/mastered by: Mark Lewis at Audiohammer Studios Cover art was completed by Hungarian artist Péter Sallai (Sabaton, Sacred Steel)CD RELEASE PARTY Track listing:AUGUST 21, 2015 1. ScarsTOKEN LOUNGE 2. Not Your SlaveWESTLAND, MI 3. Absence 4. Spoiled 5. The Climb 6. Blood & Lies 7. Bound by Fear 8. Despised 9. Shackles 10. The Path The Black Dahlia Murder - ‘Abysmal’ Genre: Melodic Death Metal Release Date: September 18, 2015 Label: Metal Blade Records Track Listing: 1. Receipt 2. Vlad, Son of the Dragon 3. Abysmal 4. Re-Faced 5. Threat Level No. 3 6. The Fog 7. Stygiophobic 8. Asylum 9. The Advent 10. That Cannot Die Which Eternally Is Dead Death Pit - ‘Knight of the Living Dead’ Genre: Thrash/Crossover Thrash Independent release Artwork and release date is TBA From Blue To Gray - TBA Imminent Sonic Destruction - ‘Triumphia’ Genre: Progressive Super Metal Artwork and release date is TBA
50 WULFHOOK JOINS DIVEBOMB RECORDS ROSTER!! DIVE086 - WULFHOOK “The Impaler” CD Available JULY 17, 2015WULFHOOK, having formed in 2009, is a five piece American heavy metal band from Detroit,Michigan. They have impressively self-financed three remarkable demos including 2012’s stellar Sacrifice, which are the recordings that lead to their deal with Divebomb Records.Their debut album, The Impaler, is a culmination of years of hard work and overcoming unfore-seen adversities along the way. The end result, which was mixed by Jamie King at his BasementStudios, is nothing short of magnificent. The Impaler, simply put, is an unrelenting sonic attackthat reveals a band that is completely unaffected by what’s popular or what other musicians aredoing and is zeroed in on exactly what will make WULFHOOK stand out in the over-crowded underground scene. No tongue in cheek retro throwback, just straight up heavy metal..For Fans Of: JUDAS PRIEST, MALICE, GRIM REAPER, METAL CHURCH. Wulfhook - ‘The Impaler’ Genre: Heavy Metal Release Date: July 17, 2015 Label: Divebomb Records Mixed and Mastered by: Jamie King at The Basement Recording NC Cover Art by: Denis GualtieriALBUM RELEASE SHOW Track Listing:JULY 31, 2015 1. The ImpalerMAC’S BAR 2. Brutal NightmareLANSING, MI 3. Through The DarknessCD RELEASE PARTY 4. Bridge BurnerAUGUST 01, 2015 5. Samara’s WellTOKEN LOUNGE 6. EternalWESTLAND, MI 7. Sacrifice 8. Devil’s Harlot 9. Tormentor 10. Atomic Punk
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