Congratulations, Mortal Wrath!

Post #174  [Poll Winner: Independent Band 2011]

 Congratulations to Mortal Wrath from Romney, West Virginia on winning this year's Favorite Independent Band reader's poll! Following the tradition established last year, Mortal Wrath will soon enjoy a side-bar link to their main website for 1 year, a full-length review, and promotional blog posts ahead of every show they play throughout the year. The Happy Headbanger is honored to have them featured on this blog.

This year's Independent Bands contest was a huge draw for votes, similar to the last 2 years' polls. Though Mortal Wrath jumped out to an early lead and managed to hang onto that lead throughout the contest, there were a couple bands who gave them a run for the money. Ideal Zero were knocking at the door for a while, and later, Sins of a Nation got into the mix as well. Those bands finished 2nd and 3rd respectively  but couldn't overtake the lead before the poll closed.

Watch for that review of Mortal Wrath soon, as well as their web link and show announcements.
Until then, happy headbanging to all!

Independent Band Reader's Poll 2011

Post #168: 2011 Independent Band Reader's Poll Contestants
Hello happy headbangers! It is time once again for the most anticipated reader's poll event of the year here at Heavy Metal 107: the annual INDEPENDENT BANDS READER'S POLL! This fall marks the 3rd annual running of this polling competition. Whichever band pulls in the most votes over a 35-45 day window will get a full review posted on the blog shortly after the poll closes, a link to their main website on the blog's side-bar for 1 year as 'Honorary Vice President', and brief promo posts announcing any upcoming shows they schedule during that year.

Without a doubt, this is the best opportunity to discover, new, interesting, and diverse independent bands on this blog. I have always tried to select a variety of bands that show different sides of rock and metal music so that there would be at least one band for each reader's unique tastes. This year, I think I've collected the most diverse group of seven bands yet. Here they are for your consideration:

The Bob Clymers
(Grunge/Rock/Bluescore)
"A two-piece duo specializing in the dirtiest of rock." From late 60's acid-rock legends like Hendrix and Joplin, to the 90's grunge movement, some of this band's influences are apparent when you hear their music. Wherever they draw inspiration from, they compose songs that truly hit home with a raw, untamed sound and pure emotion. Check out these songs at the links below:
'Nightingale'
'Grain of Sand'
'Ghost'

On Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thebobclymers
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thebobclymers
On Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/thebobclymers

Sins of a Nation
(Metal/Rock)
Nominated by last year's winner, Deadmanswake, Sins Of A Nation blend thrash and classic British-style metal in such a way that one can't help but bang their head to it. Their vocalist has an uncanny ability to channel the likes of Bruce Dickinson, Ozzy, and Phil Anselmo, depending on what the song calls for. You gotta hear these guys!
'Self-Evident'
'Bow Down'
'Deafening'

On Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/nationofsins
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sins-of-a-Nation/152050021482064?ref=ts
On Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/sinsofanation

Penguins With Shotguns
(Metal/Rock)
From Kenosha, Wisconsin, a heavy rock band with tons of attitude... Penguins With Shotguns can win you over with catchy hard rock hooks in one song, then step it up with a furious hardcore edge on the next. They, too, were nominated by a previous winner: Losing Scarlet, who won the first ever Independent Bands poll on this blog. This band has some versatility, so be sure to check out more than one of the following:
'Said and Done'
'Lethal Remedy'
'Wake Up Screaming'

On Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/penguinswithshotguns
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penguins-with-Shotguns/286259296835
On Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/penguinswithshotguns

Ideal Zero
(Alternative/Rock)
A female-fronted alternative rock band from the Orlando, Florida area, Ideal Zero are the product of a diverse background of musical inspiration. Heavy guitars, overlaid with keyboards, and a soft, melodic female vocal delivery make for a quality headbanger's listening experience. Check out these songs:
'Beneath The Sun'
'My Road'
'Free Again'

On Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/idealzeromusic
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IdealZero
On Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/idealzero


Mortal Wrath
(Progressive/Power Metal)
Hailing from Romney, West Virginia, Mortal Wrath draw their musical inspiration from nature, geometry, world history, and politics. Delivering their music as a blend of classic heavy metal and progressive rock, they sometimes sound like they're channeling early Queensryche, or European power metal. For a more cerebral listening experience, check out their tunes:
'The Single Projection'
'Law Under Grace'
'Morningstar Crusade'

On Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/MortalWrath
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mortal-Wrath/163404103696287
Band's Main Website: http://www.mortalwrath.com/

SAGE4
(Gothic Metal/Progressive)
Sage 4 are another of Chicago's female-fronted metal bands that are on the rise.Their style of Gothic metal fuses influences from the heavy side of mid-90's grunge with a more traditional, and sometimes progressive, melodic metal. Their first release was packed with creative and technical musicianship, and they're working on their second. For a taste of what they have to offer check out these tunes:
'Graves'
'Out of Body'
'Steal My Thunder'

On Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sage4
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SAGE4/84337197643
Band's Main Website: http://sage4.com/

Eliminator
(Speed-Black Metal/Thrash)
Eliminator are the hot new underground metal band from Edison, New Jersey. Initially envisioned as a blend of speed metal and black metal, they have quickly expanded their horizons to incorporate some melodic, blues/R and B elements into their musical pallet, resulting in the most unique extreme metal band I've heard in years. Check out:
'No Answers'
'Near Dark'
'Breaking The Wheel'

On Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eliminatorus
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eliminator/119800414712789
On Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/eliminatorus

Please vote for your favorite band in the monthly reader's poll!

Heathendom-Nescience and Self-Titled debut

Post #140
Heathendom are a power metal band from Greece. They incorporate elements from progressive metal, to traditional, classic metal, while keeping the riffs really heavy. When I first heard them I was instantly reminded of early Queensryche, thanks to the voice of vocalist Dimitris. Other bands I could compare them to range from Iron Maiden to King Diamond. Guitarists Lefteris Vourliotis and Michail Vlavianos are a fearsome combination of talent. There are quality lead guitars, acoustic guitars, keyboards, and plenty of heavy, distorted guitars in their mix.

Not to be overlooked, there are elements of progressive metal prominent on several tracks. If you've enjoyed some of the more epic songs from the likes of Dream Theater, or late Iron Maiden, then you will be impressed with Heathendom songs like 'Mirror of Memories' or 'Haunted in Hell'.

I highly recommend Heathendom to fans of classic heavy metal, as well progressive and power metal. As I have alluded to previously, if you like the vocal style of singers like Bruce Dickinson, King Diamond, Rob Halford, or Geoff Tate, then you need to hear Heathendom!

Recently, Metal On Metal Records has reissued their self-titled demo (originally released in 2005), and full-length debut album Nescience (originally 2008). Both are available through Metal On Metal's website: http://metalonmetalrecords.com/home.html. They are a European label, so it may be easier to shop online via CDBaby.com in the US. For Heathendom's music at CDBaby click here: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Heathendom.

My recommended tracks from:
Heathendom
-A Poem By Rote
-War & Pain
-Haunted In Hell (this is a 19 minute progressive, 2-part, epic masterpiece!)

Nescience
-Nescience
-Burn
-Mirror of Memories
-Scenes of Old (this one is more thrash-inspired)
-Haunted In Hell (same as on their self-titled release, available on this release as well!)

SAGE4-Graves

Post #138
SAGE4 is another female-fronted metal band on Chicago's local scene. They've been playing venues around the Chicago area, as well as travelling various states in the midwest as opportunity presents itself. Recently, they've been performing a series of acoustic sets at different Hot Topic locations. Currently working on new material, they are sure to be back on the local scene soon, ready to deliver top-notch live performances of their personal style of metal.

Their sound reminds me of a blend between gothic metal and alternative rock. Lead singer Tracey Sage delivers vocals with smooth melodies and heart-felt emotions while guitarist Mike Walsh develops intricate riffs and chord progressions on guitar. A tight rhythm section keeps the groove heavy for this band.

They have a full-length, self-produced album: Graves. It is available through their website for download, or on CD. Listening to Graves will give you the full effect of SAGE4. A myriad of guitar techniques are exhibited throughout this album. Lyrics are sung with true emotion, and they often reflect on issues you feel are personal and inspiring. Different songs bring comparrisons to mind, from Alice In Chains to Megadeth, Lacuna Coil to Metallica.

My favorite tracks on Graves:
-Steal My Thunder (Intro reminds me of Alice In Chains, then it gets heavy)
-Everyone's A Hypocrite (Fast, heavy, filled with angst. My favorite track!)
-Graves (Acoustic intro, heavy & melodic tune!)
-Am I Evil? (Drum intro reminds me of Megadeth's 'Trust'. One of the heaviest numbers on the album.)
-There (A slower, softer song. Lryics reverberate with mourning. Emotionally heavy.)
-Dream Eternal (Another slow-tempo number, at least at the beginning. A balanced mix of electric & acoustic guitars. A gothic-metal tune that is also a bit progressive-metal.)

Check out their website to download, or order your own copy of Graves today!
http://www.sage4.com/

Strych9Hollow-Dying for a Dream

Post #133
Strych9Hollow are an independent metal band from St. Louis, Missouri whom I discovered on the Thrash and Burn 2009 tour. This tour featured a number of underground, hardcore & extreme metal bands, and was headlined by the melodic-death metal band Devildriver.

There were 3 stages with bands playing simultaneously. My friends and I migrated from one stage to another throughout the show. I first saw Strych9Hollow on one of these secondary stages. My ear caught on the heavy-yet-melodic riffs that were pumping out of the amps, while my eye was drawn to the frenzied, headbanging guitarist on stage right. They had a female guitarist that was tearing up the fretboard faster than she was headbanging (which was pretty fast!). The other guitarist delivered metalcore-style backing vocals, while their lead singer had a great ability to switch from melodic singing, to angst-driven screams. These guys (& gal), had all my favorite elements of metal music!

I made sure to grab a promotional sticker from the stage with their name & myspace website on it. Within days of the show, I was a regular listener on their myspace page, and began eagerly watching for a release date for a CD from them...

Their self-produced debut album is 'Dying For A Dream', and it was worth the wait! Hearing this band's official recording is a very satiating headbanger's experience. Their influences from hard-core metal to melodic, classic metal are apparent in their sound. Again, let me say that this is the kind of music I've been looking for! You could easily categorize them as melodic metalcore and they'd fit right in with the likes of Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, or August Burns Red. They are a talented bunch of song writers & musicians.

Though most of their songs are metalcore thrashers, they have a few melodic numbers that give 'Dying For a Dream' a balanced attack on your auditory senses. Fast or slow, Strych9Hollow's musical themes and lyrics tend to focus on the dark side of life, casting a haunting or melancholic tone with consistency.

So if you're looking for a fresh take on the melodic metalcore scene, with sound guitar work, good soloing, and balanced variety in vocals and songcraft, then Strych9Hollow may be the band you've been waiting for!

Here are my hand-picked favorites from Dying For A Dream:
-Art of Betrayal
-Beautiful Angst
-Schizophrenia
-Dying for a Dream
-Better Off Alone
-Death vs. the Escape Artist

Don't forget to visit their myspace page for streaming mp3's!
http://www.myspace.com/strych9hollow

Smash Corps-No Peace Until Tomorrow

Post #128
Smash Corps are an independent thrash/hardcore metal band from the Chicago area. No Peace Until Tomorrow is their 2nd full-length album, and 3rd release overall. If you're a fan of Disturbed, Pantera, or classic-80's thrash metal, then this band is worth checking out. Now for a closer look at No Peace Until Tomorrow...


This album starts off with 'Darkside of Truth', a good, heavy song with lyrics that show some social commentary on cynicism. The album just gets better from here on! Smash Corps tear into some heavy grooves that truely remind me of one of my all-time favorite bands: PANTERA. They are more about 'heavy' than 'speed' in their formula. They also know when to change things up a bit, as most songs feature good guitar solos and melodic break-downs.

No Peace Until Tomorrow offers you plenty of fist-pumping, headbanging, hardcore/thrash songs. Their influence from bands like Black Sabbath to Metallica, Pantera to Iron Maiden is clearly evident throughout. Vocalist Tim Smith has a voice that reminds me of Tool's Maynard James Keenan, but the delivery is more strict in the thrash/hardcore/groove-metal genre. Their strongest talent is probably their ability to deliver heavy-yet-melodic, infectiouos riffs.

Here are my annotated, personal recommendations from No Peace Until Tomorrow:
-Darkside of Truth (a slow, grinding thrasher, lyrics with a bit of social criticism, good guitar solos)
-Otherside (More of a straight-up groove-metal number. Headbanging required!)
-Face Your Demons (Another heavy tune, built upon infectious riffs. Cuts to an elegant, melodic breakdown at about two & a half minutes in, with a great melodic guitar solo... perhaps my top pick!)
-New Soul/Just Wait (Another slow-grinder, also with breakdown segment and talented soloing.)
-Left in a Ditch (One of the faster tracks on the album. More great riffage!)
-No Peace Until Tomorrow (On the title track, you find more heavy riffs galore, yet the song retains a strong sense of melody, while still keeping it heavy.)

Check out these songs and more at Smash Corps' myspace page below!
http://www.myspace.com/smashcorps

The Stone Foxes-Bears and Bulls

Post #125
I'm going to take a moment here for a little departure and review a band that is much more a blues-based rock band, The Stone Foxes. Though I love metal like no other music, I do retain an ecclectic range of music that I enjoy. I was raised on classic rock, and that genre (as well as several heavy metal artists) are often influenced by the blues. The Stone Foxes appeal to me through those roots of the blues...

The Stone Foxes are a new blues-rock band out of San Francisco, CA. Their second full-length album, Bears & Bulls, offers 12 tracks that illustrate their style and direction. The Stone Foxes comfortably blend rock music with blues, blue-grass, or a hint of country/folk rock in a fashion that remotely conjures comparisons to The Eagles in my mind. Overall I'd say that they stick much closer to strick blues that The Eagles, though.

This albums opens with the up-beat 'Stomp', which is an apt title, as you'll quickly tell if you give it a listen: a brisk drum-clap-drum-clap rhythym carries the tune (much like Queen's 'We Will Rock You', if you need a point of reference). The band comes in with a harmonized 'Whao-oh-o-oh..', and touches of a bluesy slide guitar complete the formula for this simple, yet addictive track.

The next song, 'Patience', kicks it up a bit, and the band jams this one out with some heavier electric guitar. I would almost compare their electric/amped songs to late-80's Aerosmith, if perhaps they had a stronger blues influence themselves. From here on out The Stone Foxes display numerous incarnations of twang-infused blues, mixed with good-old rock & roll. It is really a great musical formular that must be heard to be fully appreciated.

I have several tracks from Bears & Bulls that I would highly recommend. They are as follows:
-Stomp
-Patience
-I Killed Robert Johnson (a clever, narrative blues number, that both pays homage to the Blues Legend, while also telling a little tale that plays upon the Faustian legend connected with Robert Johnson himself.)
-Reno (this song is a bit of a ballad. The Stone Foxes show us what their softer side is like.)
-Little Red Rooster (This one is straight-up, 100% blues to the core. Much like Hendrix's 'Red House', or SRV's 'Pride and Joy', this song belts out an infections groove, that may not bring anything new to the blues, but harnesses the crux so well you can't help but sing along with it, much like those classics of yore had done before...)

Don't miss out on this great new blues-rock band! Check out their webpages today!
http://www.thestonefoxes.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Stone-Foxes/121833977860695

Help Losing Scarlet open for Buckcherry & Hellyeah!!

Post #121
Losing Scarlet (last year's Myspace.com poll-winner) are in an online Battle of the Bands contest on Rock108 radio in Iowa. The winner will get an opening slot on the JAGERMEISTER MUSICTOUR featuring Buckcherry, Hellyeah, ALL THAT REMAINS and others. The contest only runs until January 13th, so DO NOT DELAY!

I've seen Losing Scarlet perform live before, and they really rock the house! Please show your support for them again, and vote for LOSING SCARLET at the link below:

http://www.rock108.com/battleofthebands

You can only vote ONCE, but make it count, and share the link with your friends!

If you're not convinced, click the Losing Scarlet label at the end of the post, and listen to some of their music online.

DEADMANSWAKE-It Comes to This

Post #119 Poll Winner: Favorite Independent/Myspace band (2010).
As you may already know, DEADMANSWAKE are a local band in the Chicago/suburban area that are making a name for themselves in the last couple years. They've been around for a few years, as early as '03, then called Dead Issue. They've also gone by the name Encircled before finally changing their name to DEADMANSWAKE. A couple changes in personnel over the years have solidified the band's creative core: JP Soule & Josh Barker on guitars, Troll on bass, and lead vocalist Kryssie Ridolfi.

In the last couple years they've opened for the likes of Scar Symmetry, Eyes Set to Kill and A.D.D. as well as other female-fronted metal bands such as In This Moment and Epica. They were also featured in Chicago's Dame Nation and Dame Nation Redux shows (a multi-band concert that features female-fronted Chicago-area metal bands).

It Comes To This is the self-produced debut album from DEADMANSWAKE, the 2010 winner of this blog's myspace-bands reader's poll. After having a chance to hear this album in its entirety, let me say, WOW! This band delivers some great metal music! Their sound reflects strong influence from the classic NWOBHM and Thrash-metal scenes. Heavy riffs are the backbone of most of their songs, but they do change it up with plenty of melodic, clean-guitar passages here and there. Kryssie's bluesy voice keeps a melodic element at the forefront of the mix, delivered with great enthusiasm & emotion. Josh & JP trade back & forth on their guitar solos so smoothly you'd think they've been playing together for a decade. The drum & bass rhythm section keeps a heavy groove driving the music onward.

DEADMANSWAKE establish a trademark sound of melodic metal that's easy to sing along to, while still providing plenty of energy that lends itself well for emotional venting. This formula, combined with the immense talent that is aparent on this recording, leads me to say these guys will soon find themselves playing bigger & better shows if they stick with it.

The band already have plans in the works for an EP of cover tunes. I can't wait to hear what suprises they have lined up for that project. For now, I'm quite pleased with It Comes To This. I also plan on seeing a few of their live shows over the next couple years. I hope many of you will do the same. From now until next year's Myspace-band reader's poll, I intend to keep promoting DMW's shows through this blog. Watch for these upcoming shows right here at happyheadbanger!

For now, I'll leave you with my recommended tracks from It Comes To This:

-Amy (First track-a real fast-paced thrashy song. Always good to hear a band kick off their album with one of their best songs!)
-Back to Blood (Another thrasher. Love the lyrics. This song is quoted on the band's T-shirt, which you can buy directly from their website!)
-Far Be It From Me (Here is where DMW lighten up & show a little of their softer side. A great power-ballad of sorts.)
-Flowers (Stand Between Us) (Another good song with heavy sound and very catchy melodies. Lyrics use the line '...it comes to this', making it somewhat of a pseudo-title track)
-Why Didn't You Say So?
-Homeless (This one is an acoustic bonus track. Shows the band's versatility.)

Don't forget to visit the band's websites for streaming music, merchandise available for purchase, and upcoming shows!
http://deadmanswake.com/
http://www.myspace.com/deadmanswakechicago
http://www.facebook.com/DEADMANSWAKE

Second Annual Myspace-Bands Poll

Post #107
In the world of online music and streaming mp3's websites like myspce.com have become more than simply a way to get your music heard; they've become the standard for much of the music industry. Not only will you find your buddy's garage band from around the block with their own myspace-page, but every major recording artist now has at least a couple songs available for free sampling at myspace.com.

To celebrate the spirit of independent music, the Happy Headbanger's blog is once again featuring seven of these up-and-coming bands in a reader's poll. To allow you faithful readers sufficient time to hear a little of each of these bands, and decide on a favorite, this poll will have an extended voting window! Typically I utilize a 30-day polling window, but for this one you'll get no less than 45 days. Use them wisely!

Now here are your contestants
DEADMANSWAKE
Female-fronted metal with lots of balls!
Check out the song "Amy"
http://www.myspace.com/deadmanswakechicago

SMASH CORPS
Great heavy-metal with a thrash-hardcore vibe!
Check out "The Machine"
http://www.myspace.com/smashcorps

THIRD LAW OF MOTION
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."
Post-grunge inspired alternative rock, with mainstream-friendly hooks.
Check out "Golden Age"
http://www.myspace.com/thirdlawofmotion

KILLCODE
A great New York-based band blending a classic-metal sound with a bit of southern rock.
Check out "Truce"
http://www.myspace.com/killcode

SKANK
A little melody, a bunch of hard-core riffs, and of course a little sleazy. These guys rock!
Check out "No Love Lost"
http://www.myspace.com/skankmusic

INN CINEMA
These guys can be intense with a furious metalcore edge, then lighten up to show a melodic side.
Check out "Save Me"
http://www.myspace.com/inncinema

SUTURED PSYCHE
"Music for Bastards!"
Melodic hard rock, mixed with a bit of alternative metal, and catchy grooves in every song!
Check out "The Leap"
http://www.myspace.com/suturedpsyche

Keep in mind, the winner of this poll will get a full-length review within a few weeks of when the poll closes. Not to mention more exposure to the online community, and circulation of their myspace page!

Enjoy!

Jackie Bergjans of Strych9hollow proves she really plays guitar

Post #98

Here's a little preview of one of the hottest independent metal bands from the underground scene in St. Louis, MO. Before long I'll be posting a full review of their debut album, "Dying for a Dream". For now, enjoy this clip.

You can also sample some of their music at:

www.myspace.com/Strych9hollow

(They were also included in the 'myspace-bands readers poll' from last fall.)

Overdust-You Won't Be Alive Forever

Post #87
Overdust are a new rock band from San Francisco, California. In their music and lyrics they strive to understand the meaning of life through its challenges and hardships. Sometimes focusing on the intricacies of relationships, other times being more introspective on their philosophies on life and love, their songs never seem insignificant. They greet the world of rock music with their debut album, "You Won't Be Alive Forever", due for release later this year.

Overdust's sound is driven by electric and acoustic rock guitars, and textured throughout the album with piano and strings in many songs. Their sound is radio-friendly, and they seem poised to be embraced by the mainstream rock music fan-base. Listeners won't be disappointed, as the band effortlessly blends heavy guitar hooks with softer melodies. Though their inspiration ranges from 70's classic rock to post-grunge and modern alternative rock, they might be most comparable to the contemporary side of late 90's alternative rock, revamped for today's current rock music scene. Think Wallflowers or Collective Soul with some inspiration from Pink Floyd and a bit of Incubus thrown in...

This debut album is a remarkably balanced rock-music experience. A great mix of rockers & ballads gives it a natural ebb and flow from front to back. The band knows when to ease up into a melodic guitar riff, or rip with an infectious guitar solo at every right moment.

Here are my picks from this up-and-coming band's debut:

-You Won't Be Alive Forever (A hard-rocking tune, the album's title track could double as a mission statement for the band and their philosophy: Seize the day, live without regrets.)
-Maybe Tomorrow (Another hard-rocker, perhaps the heaviest number on the album, it has a great groove. My personal favorite!)
-Because Love (An up-beat number. Has a really good intro, and rocks with a vibe reminiscent of Collective Soul... thought provoking lyrics about when love can become detrimental.)
-Watch Over Me (The album's first glimpse of this band's softer side. Again the lyrics are about being in the moment in life, though with a more personal context here.)
-Now I'm Free (A hard-rocker, but soft around the edges with clever use of keyboards. The lyrics narrate the moving-on process in relationships.)
-Mother's Farewell (Another mainly acoustic ballad. This one is more about soul-searching during the challenging times in life. Many instruments complement throughout; strings, keys and electric guitars give this song a bit of everything.)

Until their album is released you can sample some of their music for free online.
Check out their main website & myspace page:
http://www.overdust.com/
www.myspace.com/overdust

Losing Scarlet... Hot New Band!

Post #84-Poll winner: Favorite Myspace Band (2009)
Losing Scarlet are a Chicago based band that have been together about 2 years. They've been growing local support in that time, and have independently produced a fine debut album. Drawing from their influences of modern heavy metal, nu-metal, and Gothic hard-rock; they've developed a tight, signature sound that falls somewhere between Disturbed & Evanescence.

Heavy riffs deliver powerful chord progressions, while a soaring female voice delivers the lyrics with equally catchy melodies. The structure provided by the drums & bass make for great foot-stompin', fist-pumpin' grooves. With the recent surge in popularity of metal bands featuring female singers (such as Halestorm, Flyleaf, Lacuna Coil, etc...), it wouldn't surprise me if Losing Scarlet go pretty far in the next couple years. I'll be supporting them on their ascending journey, will you?

This band was quite a pleasant surprise in the vast world of myspace-music pages. From the readers poll results, most of you seem to agree. I'm glad I found them, and you should be too! If you haven't visited their page yet, you certainly should. The link to their myspace web site is below. Check them out today! If you're in the greater-Chicago & suburban area, you can probably catch one of their shows- they're always playing somewhere.

For a little more guidance, here are my favorite Losing Scarlet tracks from their myspace page & debut album:
-Shade of Hate (the first Losing Scarlet song I ever heard. It got me hooked instantly!)
-All I Am
-Lacerate (this one is a clean-guitar ballad, with some heavy hooks thrown in for good measure.)
-On Display

[Losing Scarlet won the "Myspace-bands" poll in December '09]
http://www.myspace.com/losingscarlet


Order your own copy of their CD today!

Discover New Bands on Myspace...

Post #76
Refer to this post for the November-December '09 Readers' Poll!

In this day and age, if you have a band that's serious about recording music, and you can't find a record deal, it's still easy to get your music available for potential fans to hear. All you need to do is create a myspace web page, upload some of your songs, and who knows what can happen from there?

For next month's readers' poll I'll be featuring the following bands that are either new, unsigned, or independent. They all have a myspace page with songs available to preview. I have suggested one song for each band for you to quickly listen & compare, but please listen to as many of their songs as you can... you'll see there's a lot of variety here! Then, after you've heard them all, pick you favorite & cast your vote! Enjoy the new tunes!

Overdust-"Maybe Tomorrow"
http://www.myspace.com/overdust

Ten With Strangers-"Gotta Get Home"
http://www.myspace.com/tenwithstrangers

Taking Dawn-"Like a Revolution"
http://www.myspace.com/takingdawn

Strych9Hollow-"Better Off Alone"
http://www.myspace.com/strych9hollow

Droids Attack!-"Operation Panda"
http://www.myspace.com/droidsattack

From Sword to Sunrise-"Preparation for Death"
http://www.myspace.com/fromswordtosunrise

Losing Scarlet-"Shade of Hate"
http://www.myspace.com/losingscarlet

Start listening now!! The new poll will be posted in just a couple days!

HappyHeadbanger online radio premiers!

Post #28
Hey there readers, tired of browsing through my endless babble of heavy metal in dull, boring silence? Well, now those days are over! To hear free, online radio, with a play-list modeled after my own suggestions, simply click the link at the bottom of this blog and click "play this station". You may need to create a free account with Pandora.com in order to hear the music, but at least now you can all bang your heads while you read.

I plan to continue to add all my suggested artists, albums, and songs to the play-list over the next few weeks. Keep listening as HappyHeadbanger Radio evolves! Enjoy!