Songs makestatements atjustthe right time. Born at the intersection of insurgency and inspiration, music props up a sounding board for the people to be heard. Theory Of A Deadman amplify this voice on their seventh full-length offering, Say Nothing[Atlantic Records]. The award-winning multiplatinum Los Angeles-based Canadianband—Tyler Connolly [lead vocals, guitar], Dave Brenner [guitar, backing vocals], Dean Back [bass], and Joey Dandeneau [drums]—flip the pulse of the world into scorching songcraft, integrating experimental vision, rock ‘n’ roll attitude, and clever pop ambition

I was going through old email and I found a unheard interview Coren did with Dave from Theory of a Deadmen

May she RIP. We miss her.

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Interview conducted on March 22, 2020

By Dan Locke

Fueled by an insatiable urge to create and collaborate, D.O.V. combines the broad range of talent of its all-star lineup – which also includes drummer Corey Pierce (God Forbid) and George Pond (Negative Sky) – to forge a new breed of crossover metal. The band’s debut, scheduled for a late summer/early fall release via The Label Group, features guest performances from numerous Platinum-selling and Grammy-winning artists including Morgan Rose (Sevendust), Phil Demmel (Machine Head), Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy), Tara McLeod (Kittie), JJ Sammataro (Negative Sky) and solo artist Joe Gareri.
DISCIPLES OF VERITY (D.O.V.) is: Corey Glover – vocals George Pond – bass Corey Pierce – drums Mark Monjoy – guitar Danny Puma – lead guitar

Pre Order Pragmatic Sanctions NOW OUT Release date is August 7th

What is your up bring?

Corey Glover: My upbringing was in New Jersey in Somerset.  Nice working-class neighborhood

How did you discover music?

My mother and older brother got me into music. They are both musicians 

How did you get your band together?

Basically: our bass player George Pond reached out to mutual friends and shared his ideas for songs and we eventually all got sucked in, hahaha

How did you get your name?

Myself and our bass player George brainstormed ideas for name that sounded serious and seemed to transcend genre boundaries and we arrived at Disciples Of Verity (D.O.V.)

Could you call your band a super group or an all-star-band?

I would not it call it that really Haha. Our vocalist Corey Glover is very well known and my years with God Forbid have given me some public recognition but that does not make us a super group or all-star band.

How is this project different, from any other projects that you have done? Stylistically it is different in some ways and of course having Corey Glover in the band changes your standard heavy metal band dynamic in really BIG ways.

I know all of you follow some of the newer younger players out there. Is there any more you are really hoping will make it big?

 Some unsigned bands out there really deserve to have a big career. There is a band Dissentience coming up from Pen. These young guys have the talent and drive.

Whom would you like to tour with?

That is a long list but we would live to tour with a number of bands

How has the Coronavirus affected your music and live performance?

Well the music itself I do not think at all as of yet, but everyone is and or has had to cancel live performances and we are no different.  It is a huge blow to the industry on so many levels.

Digital vs. vinyl?

I they both have positives and negatives. Digital is amazing because it can reach so many people all over the world instantly. However, the digital market isn’t regulated in ways financially that are designed to truly benefit the creators of the music but the instead the people who control the digital mediums which is quite unfair. Vinyl is awesome but so many people are not groomed in the nature of holding a physical product because 0f what it means to them and loving as well, being dedicated enough to follow through on such a purchase. It is a difficult market in the world we love in today despite the resurgence of vinyl popularity.

In the beginning rock music you have people like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley and we can’t forget Sister Rosetta Tharpe (who was born over 100 years ago) Her 1944 hit “Down by the Riverside” featured a solo section where she a great job being the first guitar shredder With Metal in the beginning, it had a problem with black artist. What is you’re feeling about blacks in metal?

Then bands like Living Color, Ice-T, Lenny Kravitz, Tosin Abasi, Suicidal Tendencies, William Duval of Alice in Chains, and Doug Pinnick of King’s X. And the view has changed.

What do you think needs to be done to change people view that black artist does rock and roll and can-do Metal like the best of them?

There’s only one-way really. Black artists have to come out and make great rock and roll and heavy metal music. There is no other way.

Any plans to tour as yourself.

Of course, just like most bands but now those plans are delayed obviously.

How do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself as I always having. Moving forward in all that I out my mind too.

Anything you would like to say in closing. 

Checkout Disciples of Verity on all the digital mediums, go check out, follow our social pages, and hope to see you all on the road when this virus scare is over with our new album Pragmatic Sanction.

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Interview conducted on June 02, 2020

By Dan Locke

Mudbelly are a dirty-blues-rock band from Christchurch, NZ. Started by Bex, John and Sam in 2018, they’ve performed for the last 2 years as the [unpronounceable] Hypnumb. Cranking riffs, an honest stage presence and soaring vocals are what we’re about.

Band Members

Bex B
John Arrillaga
& mates

Extended Hypnumb family
Jesse Bruce
Clara Anderson
Andy Mcleod

What is your upbringing?

Bex: I grew up in a small, coal mining town in the UK. We were close to Sherwood Forest so I still say today that my grandad was Robin Hood! It was quite a humble upbringing where family was king. I think it was pretty similar for John although he has Spanish blood in his veins so family was king there too.

How did you discover music?

I have been singing at people since I could walk and raided record collections of my mum and grandparents – mainly Motown with some reggae thrown in for good measure! I went on to sing in an amazing choir that has toured across the world and then got stuck in the world of work for far too many years. John’s dad was musical, loved the old crooners, and played guitar so for both of us we had music circling us from a young age. John took it further and played in bands whilst he traveled, picking up guitars, drums, and bass.

How did you start to write music?

We have both always written poetry and I could play you some songs I made up when I was a kid, generally about dolls and poop and later about boys. I’m sure it was the same for John! Together we started to write music a few years back when we were in another band that was more Americana. Our mutual love of dirty blues pushed us to start something new in 2018 which eventually became Mudbelly.

How the band did get its name? Why did you go from Hypnumb to Mudbelly?

Originally the band was named after my favourite moss (Hypnum cupressiforme) but no one could say it let alone say it. Also, naming a rock band after a moss doesn’t have the cool ring that it should! It was in a band jam night when we were tossing names around that we stumbled across Mudbelly by putting words together with body parts. I still like MuckyTummy but it does have a very coal mining town girl sound to it and MudBelly has just enough dirt to sound like a dive bar but not a hovel.

Did you know there was another band name Mudbelly from New York State?

That’s cool! Do they play dirty blues too? Maybe we should collaborate and unite the MudBelly forces….

Back in 2017, you did a tour of the UK. You funded it with a fundraiser. Tell me about it? I saw you were willing to do any shittest job in exchange for a humble band donation?

The tour was so much fun. For me it was a home coming and I got to hug the oak trees in Sherwood Forest once again! The trip skinted us, we did the fundraiser and got enough for the airfares and spent the time bumming round on people’s sofas. It was great to play to new audiences and meet new bands to share the musical experiences with. The shittiest jobs were ace! The best was cleaning out a huge long ditch around a farm using massive rake type things. Stinky, messy and hard work. I felt like we really earned that cash! Another was painting a house – that was pure fun and again pretty messy (especially when you have people painting your face by accident on purpose).

How is your original guitarist Sam doing?

What a lovely question. Sam is doing great. He’s still in the gang and we play with him when he has the energy. As a founding member we have missed him but the way that he has looked after himself has paid off and we all hope that one day he’ll beat the C word for good.

How did you get the idea for the video, 5 reasons to download Mudbellys album?

John is a comic at heart. I think he really just wanted me to wear a mustache which was made of carpet fluff I had swept up!

Your album got released on May 22th. Tell me about it?

The album has been a labor of love for about a year and a half. Many of the songs began their life in many different ways to where they ended up. Most started in Sam’s garage and ended up in the fabulous hands of Thom O’Connor who mixed them. The album is a bit of a journey through the dirty blues rock genre with some real heartfelt songs like Bullet, some whimsical tunes like On Fire documenting a crazy night out to Crooked Magic which is probably our hardest rock song and came from my frustration at being judged by people when they had never seen my shoes never mind walked in them.

What is your favorite track on the album?

Oooh, tricky. I actually love the last song. I think for most people it’s a slow burn but it just popped into life kinda by accident. It’s about feeling so grounded and chilled within yourself that nothing can touch you – a place we all strive to get to!

How do you stay healthy while touring?

Hmmmm, in theory we sleep and eat well and get the touring vitamins in us. In practice we stay up too late, eat amazing food, meet beautiful people and then eat tons of garlic to stave off any baddies floating around to try and make us sick.

Do you think the Me-Too Movement has helped female performers?

I’m sure it has helped many artists to be firm in their right to own and respect their bodies and their authenticity. I think the movement was long overdue and really helped to highlight what behavior is not ok in any circumstances.  As an artist, I want to be free to perform without my gender being a huge deal. That means no one expecting me to conform to any gender stereotypes they may hold of females. Until we reach the understanding that everyone is unique, not just gender, I think we will still be paddling upstream. However, I am trying my hardest to refuse the upstream paddle and am staunchly being my feminine self in a male-dominated arena (which is sometimes intimidating). Thankfully all the guys I’ve worked with have been wonderful human beings, just like the females. And long may that remain.

What are you’re feeling about streaming music?

I think it’s great for artists starting out as it allows music to be heard by a wide audience but there is absolutely no money in it. That can feel heavy as you pour your heart and soul into creative projects which people enjoy but do not give you anything in return.  I think that underpinning all of this is a lack of respect for the arts. All arts. I feel that the arts are the magic in this world and a life devoid of art would be no life at all. I try to support artists whenever I can.

Digital vs. vinyl?

I think vinyl is wonderfully special but the fact you can take digital music with you everywhere is brilliant too. They both have their place.

Any plans to tour?

Touring is on hold for the foreseeable until we have countries opening up their borders again. However, no time like the present to make plans. In fact, I am going to say right here in this interview that I am super keen to get to the States. Let’s make plans…….

What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you?

I have had “Ain’t No Mountain” by Marvin and Tammi in my head for about a week. I love the unconditional love expressed in that song and it’s still super cool and catchy after all those years. Genius. It also reminds me of my mum, we’ve sung that many a time in our kitchen!

How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?

Tough question…. I’d like to think that it won’t at all because live shows are the best way to experience music. There’s nothing like that feeling of being part of a group of people all in one place just to sing and dance to favorite music. It’s buzzing. I’m believing that will never stop because I can’t comprehend it.

What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?

Like many, I had BIG plans. But I went with the flow and I’ve been a mum and home school teacher having the most wonderful time with my two babies. We’ve explored parts of the garden we didn’t know existed and celebrated festivals we’d never heard about. We also did a lockdown song, all recorded on phones – Put The Lime in the Coconut. It was so much fun and we teamed up with a couple of mates from another band here in Christchurch, Sexbeard.

Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?

I rekindled my love of yoga and got into a bit of dancing! Saturday night home discos are defo part of the future!

Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You are doing something called The Coconut Lockdown Rockdown. What is that?

We were in lockdown separately so couldn’t do any concerts but we did the song recorded on phones and generally passed around bits of music we’d been working on. Like I say, it’s been great to see bands doing the concerts and keeping the music going but it doesn’t sit close to the real thing. We are now out of lockdown and able to see bands again which is bloody marvelous. Missed the vibe.

Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?

Possibly, I’m a big believer in “where there’s a will there’s a way” but it isn’t for me.

First it was an article in the New York Times, then Rolling Stones talked about it and finally Live Nation CEO said that concerts may not start again until fall of 2021. Do you think this could happen?

Who knows? The world is going through so many transformations at present I feel like certainty is the last thing we can be certain of. My gut instinct tells me that (in the words of Benjamin Zephaniah) people need people. We surely can’t go without contact and especially live music for years. I reckon something will give.

With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it maybe the end of music fest for the next couple of years?

NOOOOOOOOOOOO! Benjamin speaks the truth – we need people and especially that feeling of being part of the group at a music festival. We’ve got this and we will all figure out a way for it to work for everyone – us humans can work it out.

What about Holographic concerts in our living room?

I’m all about the real and living – cool gimmick though. I’d defo play along for a bit. I’d want Janis Joplin though. Wonder if that will be possible at some stage?

How do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, hmmmmm. I want to come up with a brilliant answer with definitive goals that I will have achieved but I’m a bit more spontaneous than that so it’s gonna be a surprise. Hopefully MudBelly will have toured the States and made some brilliant mates and the world will have an air of peace around it.

Anything you would like to say in closing?

Thanks for chatting with us and picking up our music. It’s an absolute passion and a joy to share with people. I really hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we loved making it. Peace and light x

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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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