Congratulations Psychopathic Daze-Winner of 2013-2014 Independent Band of the Year!

Post #274

As November came to a close so did the annual Independent Band of the Year reader's poll contest. This year was an exciting competition as always, and this year Psychopathic Daze came out on top. At the start, the competition was as tough as it's ever been! Midway through the polling period 3 bands were vying for the lead. However, persistent self promotion through their social media networks saw Psychopathic Daze slowly extend their lead over the pack until they amassed enough votes to top almost all the other bands combined.

A full review of their music, interviews, and announcements of all their local shows will be coming soon in 2014 here at www.happyheadbanger.com.

Thanks to all of their fans who voted, as well as to the other bands and their fans as well for making this year's contest another exciting one! Happy Headbanging to all!

Fist To The Sky-Forever We Will Stand (2013)

Post #273

Fist to the Sky have been hard at work this past year. Not only have they been playing shows all over the midwest, but they also recorded and released a new EP featuring 4 new songs exhibiting their style of modern melodic heavy metal. As I've said before with the music of Fist To The Sky; fans of Avenged Sevenfold should pay attention to this band!

Their new EP is entitled Forever We Will Stand. It contains 4 newly recorded tracks that rock and thrash in the style that Fist to the Sky have established with their previous releases. The first track, the title track, is a classic of FTTS metal. Heavy Hooks and catchy vocal melodies make this an easy song to get into. Drummer JD adds a few hardcore screams, making this one of the heaviest Fist to the Sky songs I've heard to date.

Next up is 'Dagger in the Heart of the World'. This is another heavy number, with plenty of sharp-tongued lyrics as it is set in the context of an on-again-off-again would-be break-up song. Still, the riffs are heavy, and the guitar soloing is solid. Additionally they add a little minor-key piano melodies at a couple breaks in the song; sounding a bit like Avenged Sevenfold's 'A Little Piece of Heaven'. All are elements that long-time fans have come to expect for this band.

'Count Your Blessings' is a little slower tempo, but still heavy and brutal. Transcending from guilt to redemption, the lyrics are inspiring. Lead guitar appregios during the verses display some influence from classic metal acts like Iron Maiden. A highlight guitar solo is one of my favorite moments of this entire EP.

The fourth track is untitled, or 'Untitled'. It is a bit of a step outside the box for Fist to the Sky. Primarily a piano driven track, with some clean and dark guitar chords setting a melancholic tone throughout. Again, this one is a slow-tempo, dark and ominous anti-ballad. A soft moment of the EP, but still dark in its tone, and ominously haunting in the end.

This is a well rounded effort by Fist to the Sky, and for only four tracks they give you a little taste of everything they have to offer. Definitely worth the couple buck it would be to download. Visit their website here to download it for yourself: www.fisttothesky.com

FIST TO THE SKY: Upcoming December 2013 Shows!

Post #272

For their final month as the Independent Band of the Year at www.happyheadbanger.com, Fist To The Sky have a couple shows scheduled. This time they're playing a pair of gigs in Wisconsin: First, on Friday the 13th they're playing at The Rox in Jefferson, WI.

Saturday the 14th they travel to Kenosha, WI to play at The Brat Stop!

Check out either show, or both! You might hear performances like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzn0iXODOfI

Happy Headbanging!