The year 2019 in music was for sure diverse and differently tested the unique qualities of musicians in every category. I took yet another approach to my countdown and asked Daniel Jackson of Metal Band Casting Shadows to share what he believed to be the Top Albums of 2019.

Plus, Dan and I spoke what to expect in 2020 as far as shows, new songs and forthcoming albums many should prepare for.

Take a listen and let us know what you think were your Top 5 Albums of 2019.

#Cheers

Coren’s Top 5 Albums of 2019:

5) Slowburn “EOS”

4) Slipknot “We Are Not Your Kind”

3) New Year’s Day “Unbreakable”

2) Highly Suspect “MCID”

1) Blacklist Regulars “Through the Blast”

Dan’s Top 5 Albums of 2019:

5) Death Valley High “Duel”

4) Crossing Rubicon “Seeing Red”

3) Dead By Wednesday “Self Titled”

2) KORN “The Nothing”

1) Killswitch Engage “Atonement”

During this time, the holidays can be stressful. That is why it is so important to take time out of one’s busy schedule and enjoy them. On December 8th, 2019, the House of Blues in Chicago was packed with a positive and rock star vibe thriving to see an authentic #metal show.

California’s own Stitched Up Heart was the perfect addition to the tour with hair metal favorite Steel Panther. Stitched Up Heart is led by the powerful/ astounding frontwoman Mixi. She has a fierce presence on stage and is a force in the music industry. I had the honor of hanging out with Mixi 2 years ago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I got to know a very sweet soul along with how determined she is.

When Mixi is on stage, she holds no bars and gives it her all. She head bands with her long and beautiful blonde hair. She is tattooed in a very classy way and is all around beautiful inside/ outside. I was enchanted with her confidence and her range as a singer. She sways while dancing to each melody while interacting with the massive crowd out on that Sunday in Chicago. Mixi can growl with the best of them yet has an angelic voice that floats among a sea of admirers. It is mesmerizing to the audience. I am one who sings along to each song played especially “Finally Free,” “Monster,” and “Event Horizon.”

I was highly impressed with the energy brought by each member of Stitched Up Heart and how well they interacted with each other. Decker is that confident drummer all bands wish for. Anyone can recognize his strength and his remarkable timing even when he is in the background. Merritt is that added #goth element which completes SUH. He plays his guitar with a vengeance especially during the song “Lost.” And Randy rounds out the band with his precise bass playing. In all, Stitched Up Heart made people who came to see Steel Panther whole heartily became a fan of theirs as well in the whole 30 minute set they played.

Overall, Stitched Up Heart will forever be a favorite of mine. The new decade will be a new beginning for many and I predict Stitched Up Heart will be the shining/ genuine gothic metal band who sends only worthwhile aura to their legions of fans

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By: Coren E. McLeod

Being the opening band has to be a stressful situation especially when one is on tour with a big name act. Madison, Wisconsin was all in a frenzy on Friday, November 8th at The Sylvee with a Sold Out show with Boston’s own Slothrut opening for #MCID Highly Suspect.

Slothrust is compiled of Leah (Lead Singer and Guitar) Kyle (Bass) and Will (drums). Slothlust is a simple equation of 3 real musicians taking their unique talents and expressing it quietly yet loud enough for others to hear. The Sylvee was packed with mild-mannered fans about to explode with the snatch of beer costing too much on the campus of the University of Madison.

With their new release “Show Me How You Want It To Be” the crowd was delighted with brand new songs along with previous releases. Leah has a haunting, hypnotic voice that has the tendency to reach a very high volume. She plays the guitar and seems as though she is dancing along to her own tunes. Kyle is just chill and hid in the background. Yet, his presence is known. Will is wild on the drums. He brings a thrash element and heart-pounding beats.

All the lyrics written by Slothrust are raw, truthful and have a take no shit attitude. It brings a universal trend of where many are looking for musicians who are not about being fake. Honesty is what is needed in this world of where anyone can hide behind social media and use a fake filter to gain fame.
There is a reason why #terriblejohnny aka Johnny Stevens (lead singer of Highly Suspect) likes Slothrust. Johnny is all about seeing the real you and Slothrust is just that.

Interview in May with Will for Slothrust

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The Chicago Theater, Chicago, IL, USA, October 10th, 2019

By Coren McLeod

With a phenomenal 2019, if you don’t know who the group Dirty Honey is, you should! They are 4 guys from LA (California) making waves in the music industry by giving performances beyond the ordinary and leaving an impressive mark by the end of their set.

Dirty Honey just wrapped up a tour with heavy hitters Skillet and Alter Bridge on “The Victorious Tour.” 

Dirty Honey were the openers yet it won’t be long until they are headlining their massive road trip across the United States and beyond. 

Dirty Honey made a tremendous mark on the people of Chicago on October 10th at the classic Chicago Theater. It was a brisk fall night with a temperature of around 55 degrees. Yet, it was all warm and rock at The Chicago Theater that night. 

The audience on October 10th was graced with some authentic dirty rock with some southern charm thrown in all provided by Dirty Honey…

Marc (singer) has a groove and glides across the stage. John (guitar) provides the killer riffs wailing beyond the atmosphere. Justin is smooth laying down the bass lines and Corey thrashes with hard-hitting beats.

Their look almost resembles the likes of The Black Crowes. A little 70’s fashion with earth tones.

The band was moving and shaking with songs from their March 2019 Ep Release. Songs like “Scars,” “Break You,” and “Down The Road” had the crowd singing and dancing. A smile was seen by many along with a lot of hair flipping. 

Dirty Honey is completing 2019 with a bang and 2020 fans will want more! 

Check out our interview with Dirty Honey at Sonic Temple 2019

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Interview conducted on Oct 10, 2019

by Coren Mcleod

Dark Station has released a new video for their fourth single “Villain” off of their anticipated debut album “Down in the Dark” set to release in 2019. The single, as well as the video, was inspired by the movie Venom.

“Villain is 100 percent about the character Eddie Brock and his relationship with Venom. It’s about how they had to accept and compromise on this new way of living, but I think people will relate it to things that are important to them. This song means the most to me, because while we were writing the song, I really started to believe in myself again as well as Dark Station.” says Nathan Spades (vocals) on what “Villain” was written about.

Kyle Ort adds, “Since the lyrics were inspired by the movie Venom, we wanted to keep the same feel for the video. The video starts out with this darkness taking over Nathan, eventually leading him to rob a gas station. The band catches up to him at the end where Nathan shoots himself in the shoulder, releasing the darkness. This is definitely one of the most visually impressive videos we have made. We think this song belongs in the next super hero movie. Maybe Venom 2?”

In the spring of 2018, five Southern California musicians came together, leaving their respective projects behind, to form a new band. A band with the ability to seamlessly transition from crushingly heavy riffs to unforgettably haunting melodies and lyrics. With inspiration drawing from the top late 90’s and early 00’s rock bands, there’s a certain familiarity to the music that’s refreshing and yet evolved into what can only be described as Dark Station. “Down in The Dark” is poised to cement the band’s name as a commendable force in the rock world. With rock on the rise, Dark Station has risen to the challenge of aiding in rock’s revival.
This is the new age. This is Dark Station.

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Interview conducted at Taste of Madison on Sept. 01, 2019

by Coren E McLeod

Taste of Madison happens every year. Its essentially what I believe is a goodbye to the summer season and hello to fall.

Many come to this wonderful event on the campus of University of Wisconsin-Madison to come celebrate the joy of a 3 Day Weekend aka Labor Day.

94.7 Jjo has hosted a concert series at Taste of Madison featured on Saturday and Sunday. Such acts like Gemini Syndrome, Stitched Up Heart, Islander, Royal Bliss and others have performed to 1000’s on the very stage.

This year was no exception! New Years Day had the ultimate pleasure of bringing their goth metal to the masses of people in Wisconsin on Sunday September 1st, 2019.

With the release of their new album #Unbreakable, New Years Day was riding high with confidence to boot.

I had the joy of speaking to the impressive Nikki Misery (guitar) after their set at Taste of Madison. We talked about Louder Than Life, his tattoos and many more chilling things before NYD was back on the road.

Take a listen and enjoy!

cheers

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Past related articles

What a Night: New Years Day, In This Moment and Halestorm

Apollo Theater, Belvidere, IL, USA

By: Coren E. McLeod

Weekends were made to rock! Well, that is just my opinion and me live the life of what I love to do. On August 4th, 2019, the ever incredible Adelitas Way was embarking on their #WhatItTakes Tour hitting all major cities including the metropolitan area of Rockford, Illinois.

The Apollo Theater in Belvidere has been the host of many legendary musical acts and I was very happy to be covering the astounding Adelitas Way. Belvidere has a very low key presence about itself. Yet, when a bad like Adelitas Way comes through town, you notice the people get excited, wild and anxious. This is how every fan should act especially when their favorite musician is performing.

I can honestly tell you Adelitas Way is very unique and their music touches a lot of souls. I would describe Adelitas Way as a force to be reckoned with in particular with motivating rock anthems like “Still Hungry, “ “Sick, “ and “Cage The Beast.” Yet, you can see the sensitive side of Rick, Josh, Trevis and Ian as well with “Alive,” “Someone Wishes,” and “Last Stand.”

Rick (lead singer) is a mesmerizing man and very regal looking. He commands the stage with Elvis like moves while singing with his exquisite voice. Upon taking the stage, Josh (bass) and Trevis (lead guitar) prepare for what will be a fantastic night! Then, Rick enters and the first few chords of the new single “What It Takes” plays and it is on!

Rick knows how to work the crowd with his handsome looks while still being humble by waving at his fans and smiling as well. This is all happening while I am in the photo pit singing/dancing and trying to be the professional journalist I was meant to be. I can do all at the same time.

Towards the end, when Adelitas Way plays “Invincible,” the crowd knows what they are in for. It is the final piece to the puzzle and the song which got Adelitas Way to the top! It is just pure energy from beginning to end with major guitar solos, groovy bass lines, fantastic drumming, and astounding vocals. And the fact I got to walk away with Rick personally handing me the setlist for that evening just had me smiling so hard! It was truly an exceptional night!

I can see Adelitas Way over and over again. They always bring an element of surprise to their performance and you need to see it live to really experience. Make sure you get off the couch and go enjoy a show or two this summer!!!! I promise you will have no regrets!

Cheers

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The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL, USA May 20, 2017
By Coren McLeod

The new artist K Flay being interview by Coren McLeod at The 101Wkqx Piniq Held on May 20, 2017 at The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL

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Commons, New Lenox, IL, July 20, 2019

By: Coren E. McLeod

Man, it was a hot one on Saturday, July 20th in New Lenox, Illinois. It is summer festival season and many are braving the sultry heat to catch some live music in their respected hometown. I love being outdoors singing along to my favorite bands playing their music.

Weekends are made for fun and I was cordially invited to New Lenox #TriplePlay concert series by the astounding Blacklist Regulars. Coming straight off their new full-length album released through Pavement Entertainment, “Through the Blast” is gaining the honest respect it deserves. Blacklist Regulars consists of 4 awe-inspiring musicians hailing from Ireland and Venezuela: Luke (Singer) Arturo (Guitar) Alejandro (Bass) and Tomas (Drums).

This particular night was an important show for the guys of #BLR. They were granted the opportunity to open for 2 legendary acts: Blue Oyster Cult and Blacklist RegularsJoan Jett and the Blackhearts. The heat was on and the audience was building up as Blacklist Regulars prepared themselves to wow everyone who came out.

I happened to be front and center to show my dedicated support. I have known Blacklist Regulars for the past 2 years. I heard their song “Superhuman” and was automatically hooked from the infectious guitar riff right at the beginning. The confidence which evokes from Blacklist Regulars shows up very well in their performance. Luke is what all frontman should take notes from: be charming, involve the crowd and sing your heart out. Arturo plays the guitar with precision and grace all at the same time. It is fun to watch and listen to. Alejandro with his long hair maintains a solid bass line while Tomas hits the drums very powerfully.
“Through the Blast” is a fantastic album and the guys got to play some of the new music that day. Hearing “Let it Roll” (one of my favorite songs on the CD) live was a treat. That song, in particular, has a tattered feel to it yet I catch myself singing along to it without bother.

Blacklist Regulars knows how to combine alternative rock, 90’s grunge along with some beats to make their music their way. I hear influences from Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Depeche Mode. You can hear precisely that in the other two innovative songs “Enemies” and “Falling From the Sun.”

With the music industry being so tough, seeing the Blacklist Regulars rise above the scrutiny to become a leading force within the Chicagoland area is satisfying to witness. Come fall, #BLR will be on the road with Powerman 5000 and tour through the Midwest.

If you have not already, make sure you pick up, stream and listen to the astound new album “Through The Blast” from the Blacklist Regulars. It will leave you wanting to relive an era which music was unfeigned, grimy and altogether forthright. I know for a fact this album will be on my Top Albums of 2019…. #Cheers

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June 21st, 2019 for #MUDDFEST

By: Coren E. McLeod

Band Members

Hugo Ferreira (Vox/Acoustic Guitar)
Jaron Gulino (Bass, Vox)
Sebastian LaBar (Lead Guitar, Vox)
Ian Corabi (Drums)

It is without a doubt when a band is on tour; they want to exceed expectations since their last performance at a particular venue. On Friday, June 21st, that is what happened with Alternative Metal band Tantric from Kentucky. Currently, they are on the road with other acts like Saving Abel, Trapt, Saliva, and Puddle of Mudd. The tour made a stop at Lisle, Illinois’ own BaseCamp Pub and Eatery. The locals were ready for a festive Friday night after a grueling work week. BaseCamp was packed and ready for a good time.

Chicago land is known for big names especially in the metal/ alternative realm of music: Smashing Pumpkins, Disturbed, and even Chevelle. Tantric slays whenever they arrive into town and that is exactly what they did to the audience at BaseCamp for #MuddFest.

With a brand new drummer, Tantric is touring in support of their latest album “Mercury Retrograde” which is still casting a phenomenal spell over the airwaves and their loyal fans. BaseCamp was filled wall to wall with an abundance of Truly Hard Spiked Sparkling Water on hand to keep the carbs low and the rock energy high.

The eyeliner was thick among women/men. The humidity was making for a sweaty situation. Yet, there was a sense of joy and a hard party vibe which was about to explode!

The stage was ready for Hugo (singer), Jaron (bass player), Baz (lead guitar) and Ian (drummer). Once you hear the opening violins of “Down and Out,” you get chills!!! You know what is about to go #down…. (See what I did there???? #Iamfunny #lol)

Hugo picks up the microphone and the first words he sings, “I am coming up for air so I can check myself” reminds you of the truth which are behind the lyrics of all Tantric songs. Hugo’s voice is legendary: deep, soulful and sexy. He appeals to women with his swagger and men wish they can embody that. With a career which spans over 2 decades, Hugo deserves the recognition of being a marvelous frontman I have been a fan of since 2002.

There was for sure something in the air that night. Maybe it was because it was the first day of summer. Jaron has a very commanding presence on stage. He is a master at his Fender Bass Guitar and this is coming from a chick who has always thought Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers was the bass player everyone should take lessons from. However, watch Jaron when he plays, “Astounded.” He is aggressive, precise and hits every note with power. It is mesmerizing and shows an incredible amount of energy. #Cheers to you Mr. Man!!!!!

There is no question Baz plays his Gibson guitar with a vengeance. You see the passion. You see the dedication and you see his beautiful hair delightful drifting through the wind as he drives home every Tantric song. Many jaws drop and you feel as if your body is about to shatter especially during the hit “Breakdown.” (#Goodtimes…)

With a new drummer hailing from LA, Ian creates a new vigor to Tantric. Ian is heavily tattooed and smashes his cymbals during every song. His arms flies everywhere but he is still true to Tantric’s overall vision: Post Grunge magic accompanied by very talented musicians. #truefanhere

The end of Tantric’s session when they play live is just awesome. It is the finale of a very close and personal song I tend to get emotional over. “Mourning” has turned into a romantic yet teary song which incorporates a little bit of a jam session. This helps to keep things fresh and inviting. All the audience is engaged and loves the different feel to a song which Tantric is known for…

Honestly, I cannot get enough of Tantric. I tell my co-workers, clients and friends family, if Tantric is in town, you can expect me to be at their show. Don’t question. I will be there dancing, jumping up and down plus singing every word to every song. It is what I do and it is a release to what stress I endeavor in my everyday life.

Make sure to catch Tantric on tour with #MUDDFEST. They are coming back to Illinois on July 5th with Saliva to play Top Fuel Saloon in Braidwood. Get your tickets NOW!!!!!

And bring Mountain Dew… J #justsaying

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