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HAZEL PARK MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 54 MT. CLEMANSCellarmen’s The Emerald Theatre24310 John R Rd. 31 N Walnut St.Website: www.facebook.com/cellarmens Website: www.theemeraldtheatre.com *Unless indicated, all shows are all ages.SAT, AUG 25, 2018 - 8pmThem Teeth, Throat, HAAN, & Those Hounds. SAT, SEP 29, 2018 - 7pmEvent Link: www.facebook.com/ 101 WRIF presents Monster Magnetevents/1422123174559604 w/ Electric Citizen & Dark Sky Choir. Ages: 18+TUE, AUG 28, 2018 - 8pm Tickets: $25Multicult, Heads, Reverend, & Porton Down. Events: www.thecrofoot.com/events/3848.htmlEvent Link: www.facebook.com/events/195531687971625TUE, SEP 18, 2018 - 8pmAggro Or Die!, Great Reversals, Los Bungalitos, &Come Out Fighting.Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/1821293861271760
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 55PONTIACThe Crofoot Ballroom/Pike Room1 S Saginaw St.Website: www.thecrofoot.com FRI, SEP 28, 2018 - 5pm (C)*Unless indicated, all shows are all ages. Berserker V feat. King Parrot & more. Tickets: $35 (all ages adv.) / $75 (VIP 21+)C = The Crofoot Ballroom, P = Pike Room Ticket Link: smarturl.it/BerserkerV Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/413697922445839SUN, AUG 5, 2018 - 6pm (P)For The Fallen Dreams FRI, OCT 12, 2018 - 6pm (P)w/ Sworn In & Sleep Waker. Cane HillTickets: $15 adv. / $18 day of w/ Sharptooth & Afterlife.Event Link: www.thecrofoot.com/events/3842.html Tickets: $12 adv. / $15 day of Event Link: www.facebook.com/WED, SEP 5, 2018 - 7pm (P) events/638286313217909Abigail Williamsw/ Ghost Bath, Wolvhammer & Throne.Tickets: $15 adv. / $17 day ofEvent Link: www.thecrofoot.com/events/3847.htmlFRI, SEP 7, 2018 - 6pm (C) TUE, OCT 30, 2018 - 6pm (C)Bill & Shred's Excellent Tour-Venture featuring Upon Haken & LeprousA Burning Body w/ Bent Knee.w/ Buried Above Ground, and Adrift On River Styx. Tickets: $22 adv. / $27 day ofTickets: $18 adv. / $20 day of Event Link: www.thecrofoot.com/events/3869.htmlEvent Link: www.thecrofoot.com/events/3868.htmlTHU, SEP 20, 2018 - 6pm (C)Blessthefallw/ The Word Alive, Ded, Thousand Below, & A WarWithin.Tickets: $18 adv. / $20 day ofEvent Link: www.thecrofoot.com/events/3841.html
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ROYAL OAK MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 59 STERLING HEIGHTSRoyal Oak Music Theatre Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill318 W 4th St. 14900 Metro Pkwy.Website: www.royaloakmusictheatre.com*Unless indicated, all shows are all ages. FRI, AUG 24, 2018 - 7pm Deep Purple & Judas Priest.WED, OCT 17, 2018 - 6:30pm Ticket Prices: $34 on the Kroger lawn and $68, $108AEG Presents: The Sin and The Sentence World Tour and $159 in the Crest Ford pavilion.TRIVIUM More info & tickets: www.313presents.com/events/w/ Avatar, Light The Torch detail/deep-purple-and-judas-priestMore info & tickets:www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/events/detail/355276SUN, DEC 2, 2018 - 6pmUnderoathw/ Dance Gavin Dance & The Plot In You.Tickets: $29.50 adv. / $35 day ofEvent Link: www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/events/detail/357436
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 60 FREE FLYER PLACEMENTEMAIL YOUR SHOW OR TOUR FLYERS TO [email protected]
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MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 62WARRENHot Rock Sports Bar & Music Cafe24300 Hoover Rd.Website: www.facebook.com/HotRockMusicCafeWED, AUG 8, 2018 - 7pm SUN, AUG 26, 2018 - 6pmBLB presents Eyes Set To Kill, Dayshell, Awake At Last, Eyes OnLevels Damascus, Tomorrow The World, & On My Behalf.w/ Reflect//Refine, Dead Planet, & Colorless Exile. Tickets: $13 adv. / $15 day ofTickets: $10 adv. Event Link: www.facebook.com/Event Link: www.facebook.com/ events/204483153522427events/2047433602183930 SAT, SEP 15, 2018 - 6pmTHU, AUG 9, 2018 - 7pm RM Booking presentTraitors, Signs Of The Swarm, Falsifier, ScapeGoat, RVNTDethrone The Deceiver, My Own Will, & Until Sol- wsg/ Emuness, Lucid Walk, & more TBA.ace. Tickets: $10 adv. / $12 day ofCover: $15 Event Link: www.facebook.com/Event Link: www.facebook.com/ events/259589478169745events/255235771720294/ SAT, SEP 22, 2018 - 7pmSAT, AUG 11, 2018 - 7pm BLB presents \"Hardcore Havoc\"Smash the Scene Radio & Smash Concerts presents featuring Smash Your Enemies & more.Smash The Nite featuring I Am Trouble, Vox Ad Nil, Tickets: $10 adv.Beyond N Back, Ryan Muns, Chuck The Band. Event Link: www.facebook.com/Tickets: $10 (21 and up) / $15 (Under 21) events/2114572442147811Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/254207515366726 SAT, SEP 29, 2018 - 5pm Concerts 4 Hope presents Hardcore 4 HopeSAT, AUG 18, 2018 - 6pm featuring Our Vices, On My Behalf, Absence Of Des-R&M Booking presents Mettal Maffia w/ Ira Hill, My pair, & Neracoal.Own Will, Fallen Captive, Unworthy, & Angry Glow Tickets: $15 adv. / $10 day of / $80-120* VIP BoothSticks. (*Includes pitcher of pop/bear & pizza)Tickets: $10 adv. / $12 day of Event Link: www.facebook.com/Event Link: www.facebook.com/ events/1087601501401972events/180012249324498
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 63 FREE AD PLACEMENT DO IT WHILE IT LASTSFRI, OCT 12, 2018 - 7pm Are you a graphic designer,BLB presents Inventure & Renegades photographer, or videographer?w/ locals TBA.Tickets: $10 adv. Is your business a local merchEvent Link: www.facebook.com/ company, music venue, recordevents/225520218281171 store, or recording studio?THU, OCT 18, 2018 - 7:00pm Do you offer a service orFace Your Maker, & Altered Perceptions. product for musicians or fans?Tickets: $10 adv.Event Link: www.facebook.com/ If you answered yes to the above ques-events/2175231242709587 tions, then why not take this opportuni- ty for free ad placement. All we ask inTHU, OCT 25—SUN, OCT 28, 2018 - 6pm return is that you help spread the wordHellraiser Fest ‘18 about Pure Michigan Metal and Michi-For more info visit the event Link: gan Metal Underground.www.facebook.com/events/1758242127569694 Email: [email protected], OCT 24, 2018 - 8pmMetalheads Masquerade Birthday Bash featuringView from the Asylum, Dragsaw, Ded by Dezine,Downspeed, & Die-SectCover: $5 (with mask/face paint) / $8 (without)Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/237761230372865
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MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 68WESTLANDThe Token Lounge28949 Joy Rd.Website: www.thetokenlounge.comWED, AUG 8, 2018 - 7pm TUE, SEP 18, 2018 - 7pmMobile Deathcamp Angra & Scarlet Aura.Ages: 18+ Ages: 18+ w/ proper ID & All Ages w/parentTickets: $10 Tickets: $25 / $60 VIP Meet & GreetEvent Link: www.facebook.com/ Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/398611920623524 events/1042923339193635SAT, AUG 18, 2018 - 7pm FRI, OCT 5, 2018 - 7pmNight Demon wsg/ Blood Star. FirehouseTickets: $10 adv. / $15 day of Ages: 18+Event Link: www.facebook.com/ Tickets: $25events/995423057274996 Event Link: www.facebook.com/ events/2165853493642395THU, AUG 30, 2108 - 7pmPowerglove. FRI, OCT 12, 2018 - 7pmTickets: $17 Kingdom ComeEvent Link: www.facebook.com/events/211536436065689 w/ Most Wanted. Ages: 18+SAT, SEP 1, 2018 - 7pm Tickets: $20Venom Inc. Event Link: www.facebook.com/Tickets: $20 adv. / $25 at the door events/243900456198809Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/781643982031675 SAT, NOV 3, 2018 - 7pm Doyle.TUE, SEP 11, 2018 - 7pm Tickets: $15 adv.Dead By Wednesday. Event Link: www.facebook.com/Tickets: $8 adv. events/609249066086610Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/230241034398880
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 69YPSILANTIMaidstone Theatre1425 EcorseWebsite: www.facebook.com/maidstonetheatre*Unless indicated, all shows are 18 and up.SAT, AUG 4, 2018 - 8pmThe Impaler.Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/747660115438161SAT. AUG 25, 2018 - 8pmPestilent Age, Iron Belly, Blacktooth Militia & more.Cover: $5Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/189629335012093SAT. OCT 27, 2018 - 8pmInfluence, Absorbed, Death Abides, & more.Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/468531743588645
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 70 WEST MICities and venues in this section.Grand Rapids20 Monroe Live 71The Intersection / Elevation / The Stache 72Kuzzins Lounge 73Mulligan’s Pub 80The Pyramid Scheme 81Van Andel Arena 81KalamazooPapa Pete’s 83Shakespeare’s Lower Level 83Twin LakeEffin’ Bar & Grill 85
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 71GRAND RAPIDS20 Monroe Live11 Ottawa Ave.Website: www.20monroelive.com TUE, NOV 20, 2018 - 6:30pmUnless indicated, all shows are all ages. Generation Axe ft. Vai, Wylde, Malmsteen, Betten- court, & Abasi.FRI, AUG 31, 2018 - 7pm More info & tickets: www.20monroelive.com//Freak On A Leash (Korn Tribute) with Heartsick play- EventDetail?tmeventid=080054DAE4386947...ing Deftones*.*Support act subject to change.Ages: 18+More info & tickets: www.20monroelive.com//EventDetail?tmeventid=080054F6CBE7367E...SAT, SEP 15, 2018 - 6:30pmMastodon.More info & tickets: www.20monroelive.com//EventDetail?tmeventid=0800549BBCCE5ADA...FRI, SEP 22, 2018 - 8pmMC50 present Kick Out The Jams: The 50th An-niversary Tour.More info & tickets: www.20monroelive.com//EventDetail?tmeventid=0800547FC57759BESUN, SEP 30, 2018 - 6:30pmBullet For My Valentine.More info & tickets: www.20monroelive.com//EventDetail?tmeventid=08005498EBC1851FFRI, OCT 19, 2018 - 6:30pmClutchw/ Sevendust, Tyler Bryant, & The Shakedown.More info & tickets: www.20monroelive.com//EventDetail?tmeventid=080054CDDD4E5CB9
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 72(Grand Rapids - continued)The Intersection / Elevation / The Stache133 Grandville Ave. SWWebsite: sectionlive.com SAT, SEP 15, 2018 - 6pm (S)Unless indicated, all shows are all ages. Escape The Fate & Slaves wsg/ Famous Last Words, Picturesque, & Set ToI = The Intersection, E = Elevation, S = The Stache Stun. Tickets: $17 adv. / $20 day ofSAT, AUG 4, 2018 - 7pm (S) Event Link: sectionlive.com/event/escape-the-fate-Dirt Chili slaves-beautiful-human-tourw/ Death Abides, S.L.U.G., & TBA.Tickets: $8 adv. / $10 day of SAT, SEP 22, 2018 - 6pm (E)Event Link: sectionlive.com/event/dirt-chili-2 SectionLive, Live Nation Detroit, and REVOLVER Magazine presents Contamination Tour featuringFRI, AUG 17, 2018 - 6pm (S) Dying Fetus with special guests Incantation, Gate-Withhold The Blood ‘Aberration’ EP Release Show creeper, and Genocide Pact.w/ Discontent, Kill Tomorrow, Of All We Cherish, & Tickets: $20 adv. / $23 week of / $25 day ofRecorruptor. Event Link: sectionlive.com/event/dying-fetus-contamination-tourAges: 17+Tickets: $8 adv. / $10 day of SAT, SEP 29, 2018 - 6pm (E)Event Link: www.facebook.com/ After The Burial & The Acacia Strain.events/213487389291253 Tickets: $20 adv. / $22 week of / $24 day of Event Link: sectionlive.com/event/burial-acacia-strainWED, AUG 29, 2018 - 6pm (I)All That Remains WED, OCT 17, 2018 - 7pm (I)w/ Upon A Burning Body, Eye On Attraction, & Arch Enemy wsg/ Goatwhore & Uncured.Gears. Tickets: $25 adv. / $28 week of / $30 day ofTickets: $20 adv. / $23 week of / $25 day of Event Link: sectionlive.com/event/arch-enemyEvent Link: sectionlive.com/event/all-that-remains FRI, OCT 19, 2018 - 7pm (I)FRI, SEP 14, 2018 - 6:30pm (I) SiriusXM Hair Nation Tour 2018 w/ Jack Russell'sBeartooth Great White, Bullet Boys, & Enuff Z'nuff.w/ Knocked Loose & Sylar. Tickets: $25 adv. / $28 week of / $30 day ofTickets: $22.50 adv. / $25 day of Event Link: sectionlive.com/event/siriusxm-hair-Event Link: sectionlive.com/event/beartooth-the- nation-to.....disease-tour
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 73 Kuzzins Lounge 741 Leonard Street Northwest Website: www.facebook.com/kuzzinsloungeTUE, OCT 23, 2018 - 7pm (I) FRI, AUG 3, 2018 - 9pmSectionLive presents Rip VanRipper, Wild Savages, & Cloud Catcher.An Evening with Machine Head. Free ShowTickets: $20 adv. / $22.50 week of / $25 day of Event Link: www.facebook.com/Event Link: sectionlive.com/event/an-evening-with- events/223881068201862machine-headTUE, NOV 13, 2018 – 7pm (I)Cannibal Corpsew/ Hate Eternal & Harm’s Way.Tickets: $25 adv. / $30 day ofEvent Link: sectionlive.com/event/cannibal-corpse/
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MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 80(Grand Rapids - continued)Mulligan’s Pub SAT, OCT 27, 2018 - 10pm Echo Of Silence, Divided They Fall, Empiricist, &1518 Wealthy St. SE Counting Flaws. Event Link: www.facebook.com/Website: www.facebook.com/mulliganspubgr events/279805515901115*All shows are free and for ages 21 and up. FRI, NOV 23, 2018 - 10pmFRI, AUG 3, 2018 - 10pm Tiny Tree, Knives Are Quiet, & Charles The Osprey.Kingdom Of Ends, Ozenza, & Tiny Tree. Event Link: www.facebook.com/Event Link: www.facebook.com/ events/443394176140667events/2076367205931706THU, AUG 9, 2018 - 9pmBitter Truth, Dead Weight, Life Loss, & Guard Rail.Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/226374951293386FRI, AUG 10, 2018 - 10pmMichigamaa, Lenore//Cult, Andor, & Curmudgeon.Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/206111810110849FRI, OCT 5, 2018 - 10pmCoffin Talk, Dad Nerves, Dicontent, Dead Weight.Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/1794945243921738SAT, OCT 6, 2018 - 10pmNew Day Revolution, Bleed The Water, & Sibus.Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/389395314922128FRI, OCT 26, 2018 - 10pmThe Outliers, Influence, & Death Abides.Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/246592459402970
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 81The Pyramid Scheme Van Andel Arena68 Commerce Dr. SW 130 West FultonWebsite: pyramidschemebar.com Website: vanandelarena.com *Unless indicated, all shows are all ages.THU, AUG 2, 2018 – 7pm ***SOLD OUT***Melvins TUE, AUG 7, 2018 - 5pmEvent Link: pyramidschemebar.com/event/melvins-2 Slayer w/ Lamb Of God, Testament, Anthrax, & Na- palm DeathFRI, AUG 17, 2018 - 7pm Ticket prices: $29.50, $39.50, $49.50, & 69.50Sleep Waker (Album Release Show) More info & tickets: vanandelarena.com/schedule/w/ Seraphim, Spirit Breaker, & City State. slayerTickets: $10 adv. / $12 day ofEvent Link: pyramidschemebar.com/event/sleep- WED, MAR 13, 2019 - 7:30pmwaker-seraphim-spirit-breaker-city-state Metallica Ticket prices: $65 and $135WED, SEP 25, 2018 - 8pm More info & tickets: vanandelarena.com/schedule/Red Fang, Big Business, & Dead Now. metallica-worldwired-tourTickets: $18 adv. / $20 day ofEvent Link: www.facebook.com/events/609313216108393SAT, NOV 17, 2018 - 7pmMac Sabbath w/ Frank And The Deans & Drink TheirBlood.Ages: AllTickets: $18 adv. / $20 day ofEvent Link: www.facebook.com/events/197463214200708
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MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 83KALAMAZOOPapa Pete’s Shakespeare’s Lower Level502 S Burdick 241 E Kalamazoo Ave.Website: www.facebook.com/papapetes Website: www.facebook.com/ shakepeareslowerlevelSAT, SEP 8, 2018 - 7pmOceans Beneath Us & Ascendence SAT, SEP 15, 2018 - 8pmwsg/ Last Sleep, Foxfollow, Counting Flaws, & City Of Flesh & Iron, Pan, Augres, Desiring Dead Flesh, &State. Lucius Fox.Cover: $7 Cover: $5Event Link: www.facebook.com/ Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/278006609612780 events/639002229791857 SUN, SEP 16, 2018 - 7pm The Goddamn Gallows and more TBA. Tickets: $12 adv. / $15 day of Event Link: www.facebook.com/ events/233396187301381
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MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 85TWIN LAKEEffin’ Bar and Grill5837 Holton Rd.Website: www.facebook.com/effinbarandgrill*Unless indicated, all shows are 21 & up.SAT, AUG 4, 2018 - 9pmInfinite Design, Recorruptor, Pharoin, & Throne.SAT, SEP 22, 2018 - 9pmDeath On Fire, Withhold The Blood, & Kill Tomor-row.Event link: www.facebook.com/events/402119523612485
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 86PURE MICHIGAN METAL Q&A with
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 87Absorbed MMU: How did the band form and whatGenre: Post-Black/Melodic Death Metal was the inspiration for the band name?Hometown: Flint, MILabel: Unsigned/Independent Frank Wright: I got a hold of Neal Taylor about starting a new band, cause I was tired of justAbsorbed is a post-black melodic death met- playing guitar in my room. I missed the stage,al quintet formed in 2014 from Flint, MI. and the energy, and creating something fromMembers include Frank Wright on guitar, nothing. We then got a hold of our friend Bran-Kyle R Smith on guitar, Joe Whalen on vocals, don Bush about drumming. Met up with him,Jason Schmitzerle on bass, and Michael An- and jammed for a bit, and there was instantgelo Paliani on Drums. The band inde- chemistry. Neal's friend Brett joined shortly af-pendently released their first 6-song EP on ter that. Joe joined without even needing to tryFebruary 25th of 2017 and is currently in the out. Neal crashed his wedding, and asked him toprocess of recording new material. join us since they had been in a band previously. We were then complete.Discography: Joe Whalen: Yeah, Neal showed up at my wed-No Lives Matter (EP, 2017) ding an hour early, wearing a button-up shirt that had the Slayer logo over the pocket, andWeb links: told me, “My wedding present to you is thatabsorbedmetal.bandcamp.com you’re in my band.” I laughed and kinda thoughtwww.facebook.com/absorbedmetal he was joking, but he proceeded to tell me that Frank and Brandon were also in the band, and I’ve known them forever. Frank and I started a thrash band in high school that he kept playing in until about a year before Absorbed started. FW: We decided on the name Absorbed demo- cratically, very early on. We started with about 10 names and voted for our favorites and elimi- nated the ones that didn’t get enough votes, until only Absorbed was left. Given our writing style, the name just sort of fit. We all brought some- thing different to the table. I had a thrash back- ground. Neal was heavy into black metal, Joe was big on Progressive metal and Post-black metal, blackgaze type of stuff. Brandon and Brett were into deathcore. We used elements from everything we were good at, everything we liked about the music we liked, and smashed it into a meat grinder, and it gave us a unique sound. That sound has evolved over time into what we think is the true Absorbed sound with our cur- rent lineup.
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 88JW: I can’t remember which metal stuff, and some of those when i was like 7 or 8. I want-one of us first suggested the bands are still among my fa- ed to shred like Kirk Hammett.name, but I remember think- vorites to this day. From a My mom gave me her old POSing that the name is also a Su- songwriting perspective, I Squier and a 15 watt practiceperjoint song, and Superjoint think we pull from a lot of in- amp, and that's what i learnedis named after a lyric from a fluences that are less obvious. on. A lot of family membersband that sounds nothing like We don’t sound anything like play guitar; my cousins Jaythem (Darkthrone), and we Opeth or Neurosis, but our and Teddy really got me intosound nothing like Superjoint, songs tend to have a linear playing.so I thought it was kind of a progression like those bands.cool little nod to that naming We don’t write a lot of chorus- MMU. What is your writ-convention. es and we try to stay away from ing process like? formulaic writing when we’reMMU: What bands or mu- writing and arranging the JW: Usually Frank comes upsicians have influenced songs themselves. I think on with a riff or two, and he and Ithe band as a whole? What the EP we had one song with a will work on variations of thatabout as individuals? discernable verse and chorus riff to keep the song interest- and a structure based around ing. Mike will start with a moreFW: Dimebag was, and still is them. basic drum beat to establishmy guitar hero. His style, and tempo and time signature andstage presence has always in- MMU. What moment in such while we’re writing andspired me, and still does. As far life made you realize that arranging the songs, and thenas bands go, I have always you wanted to write and he starts getting jazzy andbeen a thrash guy, so i like to perform music? flashy after the structure of thepepper in some tasty thrash song is established. Jay’s bass,parts here and there. We focus JW: I have always loved music. and any guitar harmonies andour sound more on being in- I would put on little fake shows flavor ideas tend to come natu-teresting to listen to now, as when I was a little kid. Strum a rally while we’re finalizing theopposed to being pigeonholed toy guitar and sing into any- arrangements.into one specific thing. I can't thing vaguely microphone-really say what bands influence shaped. There are some em- FW: I usually just make riffsus, because we never stick to barrassing pictures floating up based on whatever randomthe same formula. around of this. When I was drum beat is happening while about 12 I got a drumkit, and I we are screwing around. If it'sJW: From the standpoint of practiced the hell out of it but I cool, we will run with it, andjust raw vocal technique, I plateaued after a while. So see where is takes us. We likewould say my biggest influ- then I got a guitar, and I prac- to harmonizeences are Devin Townsend, ticed the hell out of it but I as much as we can, to make theAnders Friden, Mikael Stanne, plateaued after a while. In the music full, and sexy. Some-Alexi Laiho… guys with big, absence of any real talent or times I will just hear how araspy, harsh screams. I would dedication, my only option be- part should sound, but then Idefinitely say I cut my teeth on came vocals. Laughs can't convey that in musicallearning to scream by getting terms, so Joe usually has tointo all that melodic death FW:I saw Metallica on MTV translate for me. It's a full
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 89team effort.No one person dic- staff is always great to us, and FW: Skeletonwitch, Amontates how the music is created. the shows are always off the Amarth, and Behemoth.We all just throw ideas at the chain.wall, and see what sticks. JW: The Machine Shop is like MMU: I hear you are inMMU: Do you ever have the process of recording aarguments about song ar- home, for sure. It’ll always split EP. How far along arerangements, specific riffs you with that?in songs or live set lists? If hold a special place in ourso, how do you go aboutresolving the issue? hearts. There are a lot of fan-FW: Not really. We've all done tastic venues around the statemusic enough not to get tooattached to riffs, and segments that are worth mentioning too. FW: We had it mostly done,that just don't work. If you got- but then we had our formerta force it, it isn't fun. If we ar- I love watching shows at St An- guitar player Jeff quit the bandgue about anything, it's about before he was finished withmerch, and designs for stuff. drews, the Majestic Theatre, guitar tracks for our last song. We are in the process of re-JW: Yeah, for the most part, and Harpo’s. working the song for our neweverything has to get a unani- guitar player.mous “This sounds good.” We MMU: What local bandsdefinitely had a lot more disa- have you performed withgreements about musical di- that you believe deserverection with the original more attention?lineup, when half of the bandwanted to lean towards a mod- FW: Ov Bellum. They are in- MMU: What is the overallern deathcore sound and the credible, and their writing is lyrical theme of the newother half wanted to go more majestic, and easy to get lost material?fast and technical. Whereas in.now, we tend to eschew a con- JW: I try not to narrow it downcrete “musical direction” andwork more towards writing in- too much. I love concept al-teresting music that soundsgood to all five of us. JW: Definitely second that. bums and such, but I’m not Amazing songwriters. We’reMMU. What Michigan ven- doing the split with them this willing to write an albumue is currently your favor- year. There are a ton of greatite place to perform or at- bands in the Michigan under- based around one particulartend shows at? ground who absolutely slay. I think Heartsick is a good ex- concept unless I’m 100% sureFW:The Machine Shop in Flint ample of a band in the under-is our absolute favorite. The ground that isn’t going to be that I have 9 songs’ worth of underground for very long. shit to say about that concept. On the new material, we have one song that is definitely the most introspective, self- critical, emotionally vulnerable piece of writing that I’ve ever MMU: If you could tour done. And then there’s also a the world with any 3 bands of your choice song about a video game char- (known or unknown), what bands would you acter with a particularly tragic choose? story arc. I don’t want to limit myself with self-imposed rules about what I can and can’t write about. JW: Agalloch, Alcest, Behe- moth.
MMU: Who else will be on MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 90the split and has a releasedate been determined yet? JW: The unexpected lineup change really came at theFW: Ov Bellum is sharing the worst possible time for us. Thesplit with us, cause we love new guitar player Kyle is learn-those dudes. No release date is ing fast, but there’s still a lot ofset in stone yet. Still plenty of work to be done before wework to be done. start playing out. We don’t want to bring a half-assed ver-JW: It should definitely be sion of ourselves out just fordone by the end of the year. the sake of playing shows. WeWe have a day of tracking left, like to bring a big energy andand all the fun that comes with we want to be able to bringmixing and mastering and ac- 100% to every crowd.tual production.MMU: Back in June, onAbsorbed’s Facebookpage, you posted that youwere seeking and holdingauditions for a replace-ment guitarist. Have youfound a new guitarist yet?FW: We did hire someone, andthey are currently in training.It is going well, and we expectto be back at it by late Sum-mer/early Fall. We didn't wantto focus too much on teachingall the old music. We wannawrite new music, and moveforward with fresh material.Close the last chapter and startthe next one.MMU: Do you have anyupcoming shows on thebooks?FW: We have one in October atthe Maidstone, but that is it sofar.
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 91Upcoming New ReleasesWithhold The Blood - AberrationGenre: MetalRelease Date: 08.17.2018Sleep Waker - Don’t Look At The MoonGenre: Nu-MetalcoreRelease Date: 08.17.2018Heart Of Jordan - TBAGenre: Metal/Hard RockRelease Date: 08.24.2018To Be AnnouncedAbsorbed - TBAFallout Of Reason - TBAInfinite Design - TBAPlague Years - TBADoes your Michigan-based metal band have an upcoming new album?Tell us about it.Send a press kit to:[email protected]
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MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 93Alive & Awaken CuarzoGenre: Brutal Death Metal / Deathcore Genre: Psychedelic Stoner / Doom MetalLabel: Unsigned / Independent Label: Jamon RecordsFormed in 2015, Alive & Awaken is a death Cuarzo is a stoner / doom metal trio that beganmetal / deathcore quartet based in Lima, Peru. as a classic cover quartet which paid tribute toTo date A&A has independently released one Black Sabbath in mid-2013. In April of 2017single and one 5-song EP. they released their first self-titled full-length.Latest Release: De Oppresso Liber (EP) Latest Release: CuarzoRelease Date: August 29, 2017 Released April 26, 2017Track listing: Track listing:1. Corpse 1. Sintiendo El Eter2. The Art Of Suffering 2. Valhalla3. Obliterate 3. Orgia En Acido4. Chaotic Punishment 4. Nympho5. I, The Abyss 5. Duna Inhospita 6. Humo RojoWeb Links: 7. Absenta Negraaliveawaken.bandcamp.com 8. Energumenowww.facebook.com/aliveandawaken/soundcloud.com/alive-awaken Web links: cuarzo.bandcamp.comDe Oppresso Liber Official Full EP Stream: www.facebook.com/Cuarzoexperience/www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr-0SUIet9g
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 94Dark Rituals Maze Of TerrorGenre: Blackened Death Metal Genre: ThrashLabel: Unsigned / Independent Label: Empire RecordsDark Rituals is a blackened death metal quar- Maze Of Terror is a thrash metal quartet fromtet from Cusco, Peru. According to Metal Ar- Lima, Peru. Since forming in 2011, the band haschives, before a name change, the band original- released 1 EP, 2 splits, and 1 full-length. Theirly went by the name Iron Child from 2011 to latest release was a split album with2017. Their first self-titled 4-song EP was inde- Witchaven titled Death For Our Rivals re-pendently released June 5th, 2018. leased via Nero One Records on cassette back in September of 2017.Latest Release: Dark Rituals (EP)Released June 5, 2018 Track listing: Side ATrack listing: 1. Witchaven - Power and Control1. La fuga del indio 2. Witchaven - Manhunter2. Fiesta de la lluvia 3. Witchaven - Blood Sacrifice3. Camino del condenado 4. Witchaven - Trance-Formation4. Dark Rituals 5. Witchaven - A.D.D. Side BWeb links: 6. Maze of Terror - The Hungerdarkritualscusco.bandcamp.com 7. Maze of Terror - Executio Bestialiswww.facebook.com/DarkRitualsCusco 8. Maze of Terror - Rivals 9. Maze of Terror - Gilles de Rais Web links: mazeofterror.bandcamp.com/ www.facebook.com/mazeofterrorthrash
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 95Morkill Steel SwordGenre: Heavy / Thrash Metal Genre: Glam / Power MetalLabel: Unsigned / Independent Label: Unsigned / IndependentMorkill is a heavy / thrash metal quintet Steel Sword is a glam / power metal quintetformed in 2001 in Cusco, Peru. Over the past 17 founded in 2016 from Arequipa, Peru. Theiryears, Morkill has independently released 1 full- first 5-song EP Heartbeat was released inde-length and 1 EP. pendently during February of 2018.Watch the lyric video for “Morkill” at the follow- Watch the lyric video for The Black Cosair at theing link: www.facebook.com/MorkillBand/ following link: www.facebook.com/videos/496280747419105 SteelSwordBand/videos/1164942623637046Latest Release: Directo A La Vena (EP) Latest Release: Heartbeat (EP)Released August 12, 2017 Released February 2018Track listing: Track listing:1. Los dueños del mundo 1. Heartbeat2. Directo a la vena 2. Satan's Book3. En extremos 3. Camilla4. Morkill 4. The Black Corsair 5. There's a StoryWeb links:morkill.bandcamp.com Web links:www.facebook.com/MorkillBand www.facebook.com/SteelSwordBand www.reverbnation.com/artist/1879981 soundcloud.com/user-299926832
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 96Whisper Of Death WitcheryGenre: Melodic Death / Doom Metal Genre: Thrash MetalLabel: Unsigned / Independent Label: MMX ProductionsWhisper Of Death is a Peruvian Melodic Witchery is a thrash metal quartet that formedDeath Doom quartet, formed during the cold in 2010 as Maze of Death. The band memberswinter of 2015 in the city of Cusco. decided to change the name of the band in order to have a name which describe what musicLatest Release: Exodus Of the Dammed (EP) means for them. WITCHERY was the name se-Released March 31, 2018 lected because they were truly convinced that music is all about magic and witchcraft.Track listing:1. Exodus of the Dammed Latest Release: State Of Decay2. Dead Eclipse Released August 18, 20183. Deep Spirit4. Elegy of Silence Track listing:5. Beyond Live Session (Bonus Track) 1. Ratas 2. Pan con LibertadInfluenced by Katatonia, Opeth, Anathema, Al- 3. Lastre de mil añoscest, My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, Klimt 1918, 4. La Tradiciónand Swallow The Sun. 5. Atrapado 6. The ApparitionWeb links: 7. Ceremonywhisperofdeath.bandcamp.com 8. Hangover Societywww.facebook.com/WhisperOfDeathCuscoPeru 9. M.F.B. 10. Venganza 11. State of Decay (Continued on page 99)
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MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 98Are Music Reviews and Music Press Helpful Tools inPromoting Your New CD Release?By Ken CavalierWell, some might say that by die music publicist can move can have on their project andasking me, you may be asking your music to the forefront and new record release; while ac-the wrong person. As a profes- bring it to the attention of the celerating their music career tosional music publicist and mu- industry and the public alike the next level.sic marketing consultant my- with press, interviews, andself for hundreds of successful music reviews. As long as your Our Band is on a Shoestringindependent music artists, I music is noteworthy, this Budget. How Much Does acan only tell you what I have makes generating the exposure Publicist Cost?experienced over the last 27 and creating the buzz (if youyears plus of doing this for in- will) much easier. CD reviews, The cost for a professional mu-dependent musicians. A good interviews, and the press can sic publicist can vary greatly,music publicist can facilitate do this efficiently if it's done depending upon how goodinterviews for you and get your right and by a credible profes- they are, how much experiencemusic reviewed. Its positive sional music publicist. they have, and the extent andimpact on your project and ca- quality of their professionalreer can be more than consid- Album and single reviews, Rolodex (contacts-reach). A loterable. written by professional music of musicians don't even bother critics on credible music blogs to inquire on the cost of a pub-I am writing this article to and in the music media are licity campaign with a profes-bring this to the attention of read by thousands of potential sional publicist fearing upfrontindependent artists. Most in- fans, music journalists, book- that the cost will be astronomi-die musicians may feel that ing agents, music publishers, cal. A lot of artists and bandstheir music does not stand a and A&R representatives from are marketing their music on achance out there in the sea of both major and independent shoestring budget, and theyhundreds of thousands of in- record labels on a daily basis. believe that they just can't af-dependent music releases an- Professional Music Publicists ford the services of a profes-nually. Unfortunately, with are the curator of these crea- sional music publicist andthat kind of competition, this tive placements. This being marketer. They just keepis not far from the truth. Most said, there are still a lot of in- pounding and going the DIYCD releases, without profes- die musicians that are just now route. Not because they wantsional promotion, no matter aware of the positive impact to, but feel they have to. If youhow good, usually get lost or favorable CD reviews, inter- inquire, you may be surprisedforgotten. However, a good in- views, and the innovative press how reasonable a publicity
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 99campaign can be with an es- to save money are like those (Continued from page 96)tablished professional music who try to stop a clock to savepublicist who is willing to work time. Pretty Crazy --Right? Influenced by old school thrashwith you. (willing - being the and inspired by bands like Kre-key word here). © 2018 Ken Cavalier All ator, Sodom and Slayer. Rights Reserved WorldwideIt's unfortunate as well that Web links:music media blogs, and credi- Ken is a veteran music publi- witcherythrash.bandcamp.com/ble music critics, much like www.facebook.com/record labels, do not honor un- cist and music marketer in all WitcheryBandsolicited requests to review soundcloud.com/witcherybandmusic that is submitted by the genres of music. He has assist-artist themselves. This is most-ly reserved for professional ed numerous independent art-music publicists and labelswith whom they work with on ists with successful publicitya relatively exclusive basis. It istrue of course that money can and promotional campaignsbe a major deterrent to yourefforts to solicit the services of for their new record releasesa professional. I can only tellyou that if you are truly serious over the last 27 years. He hasabout your music, you justneed to find a way. If your mu- facilitated thousands of CD re-sic is there, this may be one ofthe only ways to get it noticed. views, interviews, and a ton ofSimply put; find a publicistwho is willing to work with you press for his artists. Havingand your budget. Work out apayment plan, find an investor. been a struggling musicianJust do what needs to be done.Save money on other things - himself at one point in his life,not publicity. It is importantthough to remember not to he has a passion for workingpick the least expensive publi-cist. As with anything else in with indie's on a budget andlife - \"You Get What You PayFor.\" Artists that do not pro- helping them succeed. Forfessionally market their wares,or stop marketing their music more information on how Ken can help you visit his web- site http:// www.musicpublicist.net Article Source: https:// EzineArticles.com/expert/ Ken_Cavalier/311183
MICHIGAN METAL UNDERGROUND | ISSUE 22 | AUGUST 2018 100CLASSIFIEDSFree Ad Placement Full Column Ad Free Ad PlacementPlace your ad for new band mem- Use a full column ad if more space This is an example of 2 smallbers here. Ad placements in the is need to describe what you are blocks combined for more ad spaceclassified section will always be selling or what you are looking for. if needed. Font size in this examplefree of charge. is 9.Unless specified, all ads will be run Font size used: 10for 2 months by default. Small ad block can fit: Limit: In a single issue an individu- 8 linesAdvertisement Heading al may only place up to 9 ad blocks, 3 column ads, or 1 full Medium ad block can fit:You may also place an ad for any page. If you submitted an ad for a 18 linesband gear you are selling such as full column, you may still submit 6instruments, sound equipment and more ads for the small ad blocks. Full column & full page ad can fit:so on. 32 linesIf you are selling a piece of gear, If a small block is not enoughyou must include a color photo of space and a full column is too Send all inquires to:single item being sold. Each item much space, you can combine two [email protected] its own ad block like this smalls blocks.one……………………………………………… Advertisement Color………………………….Price will go here. Send all inquires to: [email protected] If you want your classified ad toAdvertisement Limits stand out, you can request a back- Include “Classifieds” in the subject ground color like this one.We also accept help wanted ads line.from Michigan based businesses Background colors recommended:and are limited to businesses that Light blue, light green, & yellow.provide a service to bands and/orfans such as: music venues (smalland large), music schools, musicshops, radio stations, record labels,record stores. If you are unsure ifyour business qualifies, feel free toask.
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